A Comprehensive Sexuality Education from a Catholic — Franciscan Perspective
By: Atty. Emmanuel S. Caliwan, J.D., M.A. (Cand.)
As a Secular Franciscan, approaching Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) involves balancing the Franciscan values of compassion, justice, and respect for human dignity with the need to address this important and often sensitive topic.
Here are key principles and approaches I suggest one to consider:
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1. Ground the Approach in the Franciscan Values
• Respect for Human Dignity: Emphasize that sexuality education should honor the inherent dignity of every person as created in the image of God. This means promoting mutual respect, understanding, and love in all relationships.
• Compassion and Understanding: Engage in discussions with empathy and an open heart, recognizing the diverse cultural, religious, and personal contexts of learners.
• Justice and Equity: Advocate for CSE programs that address the needs of all, particularly marginalized groups, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility.
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2. Promote a Holistic Understanding of Sexuality
• Integral Formation: Advocate for CSE that integrates physical, emotional, psychological, moral, and spiritual aspects of sexuality.
• Franciscan Spirituality: Highlight the sacredness of the human body as part of God’s creation, encouraging respect for oneself and others.
• Values-Based Education: Include topics such as respect, love, responsibility, and the dignity of life, aligning with the Franciscan ethos of caring for life and community.
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3. Encourage Dialogue and Collaboration
• Engage with Stakeholders: Work with educators, parents, and religious leaders to align CSE content with shared values while addressing the practical needs of learners.
• Foster Understanding: Promote dialogue that respects the diversity of opinions and beliefs, using St. Francis’ example of peaceful and respectful engagement.
• Involve the Community: Encourage community participation in shaping and implementing sexuality education programs to ensure they are culturally sensitive and contextually relevant.
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4. Advocate for Ethical and Contextualized Content
• Age-Appropriate Learning: Ensure that the content is tailored to the developmental stage of the learners, respecting their capacity for understanding.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Adapt educational materials to reflect cultural and religious contexts without compromising core principles of health and well-being.
• Ethical Considerations: Advocate for CSE programs that do not undermine moral values but instead foster informed and responsible decision-making.
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5. Align with Franciscan Advocacy for Social Justice
• Promote Equity in Access: Advocate for education programs that reach underserved communities, addressing disparities in information and resources.
• Combat Exploitation and Abuse: Equip learners with knowledge and skills to protect themselves from exploitation, abuse, and violence.
• Empowerment and Responsibility: Encourage an understanding of sexuality that emphasizes personal responsibility and the impact of one’s actions on others and society.
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6. Be a Witness of Franciscan Values in Practice
• Lead by Example: Model respectful and ethical conversations about sexuality and relationships.
• Be a Peacemaker: Address conflicts or disagreements with humility and a spirit of reconciliation, inspired by the life of St. Francis.
• Uplift the Marginalized: Pay special attention to those often left out of discussions, such as LGBTQ+ individuals, ensuring they feel seen, heard, and respected.
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By approaching Comprehensive Sexuality Education through the lens of Franciscan spirituality, one can help create a balanced and meaningful program that educates, empowers, and uplifts learners while honoring the teachings of Christ and the example of St. Francis of Assisi.
