What to Expect?

This course is designed to provide a foundation of knowledge about sexuality that is critical for UU educators and ministers.

The course begins with a personal reflection on one's sexual values and history. 

Students then examine the concept of sexual health, how it applies to religious professionals and faith communities, including how to handle boundaries and attractions in ministry. 

Students will develop skills necessary for ministry, including preaching/teaching, pastoral care, public witness, and creating sexually safer congregations.

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Introduction

    • Welcome!

    • Exercise #1 Introductions

    • Syllabus and Required Readings

    • Ministerial Fellowship Competency

    • PART 1: Sexually Healthy Religious Professionals
  • 2

    Unit 1: Sexuality and Religion

  • 3

    Unit 2: Sexuality

    • Unit 2: Sexuality

    • Exercise #3: Discussion: What is Sex? What is Sexuality

    • Defining Sexuality

    • Components of Sexual Identity

    • Transgender Basics

    • Exercise #4: Survey: Sexual Behaviors Attitudes
  • 4

    Unit 3: Children/Teen Development

    • Unit 3: Children/Teen Development

    • Exercise #5: Poll: Significance of Early Messages

    • Exercise #6: Discussion: Significance of Early Messages

    • Child and Adolescent Development

    • Adolescent Sexuality and Education

    • Adolescents In Their Own Voices Videos

    • Exercise #7: Journal Reflection: Adolescence

  • 5

    Unit 4: Sexually Healthy Adults

    • Unit 4: Sexually Healthy Adults

    • Exercise #8 Assessment of Sexual Health

    • What Religious Professionals Need to Know About Adult Sexual Behavior

    • Sexual Response Video

    • Part 1: Love and Intimacy

    • Part 2: Love and Intimacy

    • Part 3: Love and Intimacy

    • Exercise #9: Journal Reflection: Adult Sexuality
  • 6

    Unit 5: Attraction and Boundaries

    • Module 5: Attraction and Boundaries

    • Exercise #10: Poll

    • Clergy Sexual Misconduct - Definitions and Effects

    • Preventing Sexual Harassment

    • Baylor University Study and Videos

    • Exercise #11: Journal Reflection

    • PART 2: Sexually Healthy Congregations
  • 7

    Unit 6: Preaching

    • Unit 6: Preaching

    • Preaching on Sexuality Related Issues

    • Sample Sermons and Resources

    • Exercise #12: Journal Reflection
  • 8

    Unit 7: Pastoral Care

    • Unit 7: Pastoral Care

    • Model for Pastoral Care - PLISSIT

    • Scenario: Teen Pregnancy

    • PLISSIT: Teen Pregnancy

    • Scenario: Married Couple

    • PLISSIT: Married Couple

    • Scenario: In Vitro Fertilization

    • PLISSIT: In Vitro Fertilization

    • Scenario: Alternative Sexual Expression

    • PLISSIT: Alternative Sexual Expression

    • Exercise #13: Journal Reflection
  • 9

    Unit 8: Sexuality Education

    • Unit 8: Sexuality Education

    • UUA History and Our Whole Lives

    • Sexuality Education Checklist

    • Exercise #14: Journal Reflection
  • 10

    Unit 9: LGBT Ministries

    • Unit 9: LGBT Ministries

    • UUA Policy and History on Welcoming and Living the Welcoming Congregation Programs

    • Exercise #15: Welcoming Congregation Checklist

    • Exercise #16: Journal Reflection
  • 11

    Unit 10: Sexually Safer Congregations

    • Safer Congregations and Abuse Prevention

    • Sample Policy: TUCW Safer Congregations Policy

    • Sample Policy: SafeCongregation Policy First Parish Cambridge

    • Exercise #17: Discussion: Safer Congregation

    • Exercise #18: Sexually Safer Best Practice Congregation Assessment

    • Exercise #19: Journal Reflection
  • 12

    Unit 11: Public Witness

    • Unit 11: Public Witness

    • 50 Years of Sexual Justice in the UUA

    • Rev. Haffner - UUA General Assembly 2011 Speech

    • Standing on the Side of Love Video

    • 10 Ways to Break the Silence List

    • Public Witness Checklist and Journal Reflection

    • Sexuality Related UUA Offices and National Organizations

Designed For You:

  • Personalized Learning

    Study at a time when it's convenient for you or take the course with a group of colleagues.

  • Learn from leading experts

    The course was designed by religious professionals and sexuality experts.

  • Experience the content

    There are over 19 exercises to help you develop a deeper understanding of sexuality issues.

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