Open Letter to Religious Leaders About Sex Education

Abstract

The Open Letter to Religious Leaders about Sex Education reinforces scriptural and theological commitments to truth-telling in calling for “full and honest education about sexual and reproductive health.” This Open Letter was published in 2002, at about the midpoint of a decade-long federal government commitment to abstinence-only-until-marriage programs. By 2008, several studies had demonstrated that abstinence-only programs are less effective than comprehensive sexuality education in promoting responsible sexual behavior among young people. By mid-year, 25 states had elected to turn down federal funding for abstinence-only programs, marking a shift toward a sounder approach to sex education in public schools.