Teaching Professional Sexual Ethics Across the Seminary Curriculum

Clergy often begin their ministerial careers unprepared to handle issues of professional power, sexuality and intimacy, and interpersonal boundaries. In response, denominational bodies and theological schools are seeking together ways to enhance the teaching of “professional sexual ethics”—referring to the integration of professional ethics, sexual ethics, and sexuality education—across the seminary curriculum. Presented is one model, adopted by The United Methodist Church, of specific learning objectives, student outcomes, and content areas serving as a baseline of expectation for ministerial leaders. Religious educators can be instrumental in coordinating and resourcing this effort—both inside and outside the classroom.