General Assembly offices in Louisville released the first component of its sexuality curriculum in 1989. Since that time, it has released parts systematically until the completed curriculum covered preschool ages through high school. The curriculum, at every level, expresses acceptance of sexual relationships outside marriage, abortion and homosexual behavior. The first portion released, for high school-aged youth, was met with an overture to General Assembly asking that it be revised to faithfully communicate biblical standards of sexuality.

1998 G.A. affirms sexual purity for Presbyterian youth
For several years General Assemblies rejected overtures from local governing bodies that expressed opposition to the way in which the curriculum was developing. However, in 1998 the General Assembly went on record with a statement to:

1. affirm to the youth of our denomination the good purpose and blessing of God in the expression of sexuality within the bonds of marriage;
2. commend to families and congregations of the PCUSA the need to communicate to our children and youth a clear message of sexual purity in relation to Christian discipleship, and to encourage our children and youth to take the step of making personal commitments of sexual purity;
3. instruct entities of governing bodies of the PCUSA that plan programs for youth, write curricula for youth, or otherwise participate in denominational activities for youth to ensure that all such programs, curricula, and activities conform to the biblical and constitutional standards regarding sexual behavior, and
4. urge all persons in leadership relationships with youth in our churches to extend the means of Gods forgiving grace to those who fall into sexual sin and lead them gently to repentance and to a recommitment to sexual purity as disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Rewrite ordered by G.A.
The General Assembly in 1999 directed a rewrite of the sexuality curriculum to conform with "biblical and constitutional standards" emphasizing "abstinence and sexual purity in all materials." The G.A. of 2000 asked CMD to move "with all deliberate haste" to complete revisions so that the General Assembly Council has opportunity to review the material prior to the 214th General Assembly (2002).

Any revisions to the sexuality curriculum have been kept under wraps. General Assemblies have called for the replacement of material that is not faithful to the teaching of Scripture on sexual behavior. Presbyterians, including Presbyterians in our youth groups, are calling for biblically faithful material. Presbyterians who are concerned about what our church teaches our children will want to inquire into what is coming from the Congregational Ministries Division.

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