A few months ago I received a call from a woman who wanted to know where the Moriah Institute stood on matters related to human sexuality. She was not sure what it meant to be a sexuality savvy seminarian as is indicated in our “About Statement.” It never occurred to me that one might perceive uncertainty in this phrase. Though we do youth development through Rites of Passage programs for youth in grades 10 – 12, we also work with adults in a variety of settings. One such setting is the seminary.
The Moriah Institute has been offering sexuality and spirituality education workshops, courses and seminars now for over seven years. Our work has been focused on faith-based institutions with specific attention on seminarians, clergy and lay leaders. Through comprehensive courses in seminaries along the eastern United States, we have covered numerous topics in sexuality and spirituality with an aim to explore truth in biblical texts, examine traditions, study human reproductive biology, glean knowledge from historical issues, inquire about ethical concerns and needs crying our in our world today; finally, we help students gain insight into attitudes and beliefs through personal introspection.
There is a need for sexuality savvy seminarians who are prepared to engage community and congregants in meaningful education in the area of human sexuality and spirituality. A need for learning experiences that promotes a sense of wholeness before the Creator, making informed healthy decisions about dating, marital communications, and social interaction with friends. Sexuality savvy seminarians can offer needful support and information for parents who are struggling with ways to communicate sexuality values to their children. Sexuality savvy seminarians are not timid in helping congregations create codes of ethical behavior that mitigate against sexual misconduct and double standards for men and women in leadership and followship. Sexuality savvy seminarians act on justice issues for those who have been victims of sexual violence. They teach, preach and design ministry that promotes safety and care for all regardless of sexual orientation.
Though we understand the needs people may have for the labels to indicate whether one prefers same or different male or female spouses or partners, we don’t think labels tell you much about the loving heart of the person being labeled. Labels can’t tell you if the person is faithful, caring, passive, active, a burden or a benefit to the relationship. Labels can’t tell you how much a person is hurting or if they are abusers or if they will support you when you need it. A sexuality savvy seminarian knows that it is more important to ask “can I help you” rather than “what’s your sexual preference?” A sexuality savvy seminarian understands that all are welcome to the love feast and whosoever will, let them come.
We have led courses at Drew University School of Theology, Howard University School of Divinity, and Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology; are currently leading a course at New York Theological Seminary. We look forward to working with other faith-based organizations in the future.
