Mind the Gap? Perceptions and Realities of Sexualities Education for Ordinands

Abstract

This article reports the findings of a small-scale qualitative research project which sought to discover how sexualities education was delivered in Anglican Theological Education Institutions in the UK. With a background of cultural and ecclesial change, as well as the adoption of a single university to validate the majority of theological education courses, the authors build on work done previously to determine the presence of gaps or dissonances between policy and practice. Analysis of on-line questionnaires and semi-structured interviews suggests continuing contestations around sexualities, and diverse opinion even within the same institution. By exploring data within a postmodern methodological framework under the headings of formal education, informal education and the discernment process, we note more congruence than previously within Colleges and Courses, but a diversity of experiences in different dioceses. We recognize the challenges of theological education in a disputed environment, and recommend some changes to the selection process.

Keywords:

• sexualities
• ministerial training
• common awards
• identity
• theological education institutions

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank all those who contributed to this research as students or staff, and also Durham University for providing funding under the Common Awards Seedcorn Grants.

Notes

1 Application of theories studied to sexual ethics and/or sexuality and/or sexual behaviour is listed as a possibility in Common Awards modules such as Introduction to Christian Ethics (Level 4, 5); Christian Discipleship (Level 4); Pastoral Care, Ethics and Ministry (Level 4); Integrative Learning for Collaborative Practice (Levels 4, 5, 6); Extended Integrative Learning for Collaborative Practice (Levels 5, 6); Christian Faith and Ethical Living (Level 5); Key Issues in Christian Faith and Ethical Living (Level 6); Themes in Moral Theology (Level 7); and Advanced Topic in Christian Ethics (Level 7). Sexuality is used as an example in the suggested reading list for Advanced Topic in Christian Ethics at Level 7, but TEIs may, here as elsewhere, choose to focus on another issue such as medical, political or economic ethics; most ordinands will, in any case, not take modules at Level 7, since modules at this level are for qualifications such as postgraduate certificates, postgraduate diplomas and Master's degrees.

2 Issues in Human Sexuality (1991), a document by the House of Bishops of the Church of England, includes the statement that ‘in our considered judgment the clergy cannot claim the liberty to enter into sexually active homophile relationships’ (1991: 45). Although only considered a teaching document by the General Synod, candidates for ordination must still affirm that they agree to conduct their sexual lives along these lines.

3 This finding echoes the Pilling Report: ‘The Church's current discipline, with regard to ordinands and clergy, was inconsistently applied, encouraged a culture of dishonesty within the Church, and was particularly difficult for the partners of the people concerned.’ (The House of Bishops, 2013: #30).

4 See Chris Southgate's research project also funded by a Durham University Seedcorn grant ‘The Promotion of Teaching on the Interaction between Science and Religion in Common Awards’. https://www.dur.ac.uk/theology.religion/common.awards/funding/southgate/

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by Durham University Common Awards Seedcorn Grants.

Notes on contributors

David Nixon

David Nixon is Dean of Studies at South West Ministry Training Course (an Anglican Theological Education Institution based in Exeter, UK) and an honorary Research Fellow in the Department of Theology and Religion in the University of Exeter. He has been an Anglican priest for 25 years, working in parishes and as a university chaplain. His research interests include different aspects of marginalization and vulnerability, particularly around homelessness, urban regeneration, and sexualities. He is working currently to embed this research into theological education and formation.

Susannah Cornwall

Susannah Cornwall is a Lecturer in the Department of Theology and Religion in the University of Exeter, and an associate lecturer for the South West Ministry Training Course. Her research and teaching focus on contextual theologies, particularly those relating to sex, gender, and sexuality. She also has interests in disability, homelessness, contextual Bible study, postcolonial theologies, queer theologies, and theologies of art. As a Research Fellow at the Lincoln Theological Institute, University of Manchester, she led a project on the Christian theological and ethical implications of the existence and treatment of intersex.