Sex education and faith: Implications for the Black Church .

摘要

Despite the increased interest in the social institutional role of the Black Church in the African American community, few scholars have given serious attention to the role (or lack thereof) of the Black Church in addressing the sexual risk-taking behaviors of African American youth. The escalating concern with the increase in STD/STI contraction, unplanned pregnancies, and HIV/AIDS among African American youth has incited interest for expanding systematic research focusing on the African American youth population. The primary purpose of this study is to examine the perceptions of ministerial leaders and sexual health advocates in regards to the sexual risk behaviors of African American youth. This study differs from previous research by focusing specifically on the African American youth population as well as Black Churches within a specific southern geographical location that is traditionally defined as the 'Bible Belt' region. The specificity of this geographical region is directly related to the disproportionate impact of sexual risk behaviors in that area for African American youth, as reported by the CDC. This study describes the perceptions of Black ministerial leaders and sexual health advocates regarding the relevance and effectiveness of the Black Church as a social and religious institution. More specifically, the research is focused on sex education and faith in the lives of African American youth.;In contrast to majority reports this study suggests that the voice of the Black Church is not silent. The voice of Black Church leadership acknowledges HIV/AIDS as a dire health challenge and pandemic in the African American community. More specifically, participants overwhelming agree that the church has a social responsibility to address sexuality issues, including the provision of faith-based sex education for African American youth. While the contention of sexual health advocates indicate that the Black Church has a long way to go in addressing preventive education, they do support the voice of ministerial leaders that suggests the church is not only concerned, but has made notable efforts in promoting a transformative approach toward HIV/AIDS related challenges.