This site is maintained for archival purposes only.
May 2005 Newsletter
Equal Marriage Rights
Religion and Sexuality
An Introduction to the Issues
from the Interfaith Working Group
Americans have many different religious beliefs about the nature of sexuality
and the appropriateness of various sexual behaviors. Within any one religious
tradition there are often multiple organizations addressing sexual issues, and
people in those organizations have varying levels of agreement with the official
teachings and practices of the larger religious organization. This
publication is an attempt to summarize some of these varied beliefs without
regard to the official positions of any of the religious traditions in
question. We will use the phrase "sexual behavior" without actually defining
it, because how sexual behavior is defined is one of the many differences of
opinion with which people of faith are grappling.
Gender is currently one of the most divisive sexual topics in American
religion. Most religious traditions in the US officially teach that gender is
an integral part of human sexuality, but there are those traditions that do
not promote this belief. Numerous religious institutions are currently in a
state of flux over issues of gender and sexuality. Some are addressing the
differences of opinion by engaging in the study of or debating questions of
gender identity and sexual orientation. Many religious groups have what seem
to be inconsistent or contradictory teachings and policies.
Nature and Purpose of Sexuality
While there are traditions with no official platform on the nature or purpose
of sexuality, sexuality is considered by most religious traditions to represent
one or more of the following: a general temptation, a general gift, a means of
procreation, a way to strengthen emotional bonds between people in
officially-blessed or recognized relationships, or a means to strengthen a
bond between two adults. The temptation is sometimes considered an
acceptable one when limited to certain relationships and or in certain forms;
some view sexuality as a gift that can be misused, and some only consider it
to be a gift when used for a specific purpose, but otherwise a temptation.
Is Sex Spiritual or Physical?
In some religious traditions, sexual behavior is regarded as primarily
spiritual. In others it is treated as primarily physical. Some hold that
sexual behavior is only spiritual (and can even be considered sacred) within
certain kinds of relationships, when used for specific purposes (such as
procreation), or when incorporated into religious ritual. In some traditions
there is no distinction between physical and spiritual. Some traditions teach
that there is a spiritual-physical or mind-body dichotomy, and that one of the
purposes of sexual behavior is to bridge this gap.
Individual Sexual Behavior
Religious views on sexual behavior without a partner vary widely, and include
out-right bans, discouragement, neutrality, or encouragement.
Restrictions on Sexual Partners
Restrictions religious institutions have put on sexual partners include:
proscribing all sexual behavior; limiting sexual behavior to relationships
blessed by the religious institution; suggesting strongly that sexual
behavior be limited to partners in a loving, committed relationship; and/or
teaching that sexual relationships are complicated and should only be entered
into with extreme caution. Some traditions do not consider sexuality to be a
specific category of human behavior, but expect people to regard sexuality
using the same ethical or moral guidelines as for other behavior. A small
number actively encourage sexual behavior without restriction.
Some religious organizations place different restrictions on people depending
on their official roles within the organization, possibly (for example)
requiring celibacy for clergy, or withholding ordination to anyone who engages
in sexual behavior outside of mixed-gender marriage, while simultaneously
saying that members' sexuality is a matter of conscience. Some organizations
require their members to adhere to a strict code of sexual behavior. Most
religious institutions require that those in official roles not engage in
abusive, manipulative or sexually-harassing behavior with members of their
congregation or with colleagues.
Form and Content of Sexual Behavior
Most religious organizations in the US do not have official teachings on the
form or content of acceptable sexual behavior. There are some religious
organizations that insist that sexual behavior be at least potentially
procreative. A small number of religious traditions are very explicit in
detailing specific sexual behaviors and their purposes, and there are
religious traditions that have official sexual rituals.
Official Blessings of Sexual Relationships
Most religious organizations in the United States limit official blessings to
Some organizations will only bless mixed-gender relationships, some have
separate ceremonies for mixed-gender and same-gender couples, and some treat
mixed- and same-gender relationships equally. Individual congregations and
clergy, in protest of gender inequality in their parent organizations'
policies or in protest of government policies, have been known to refuse to
bless any relationships at all until policies are equal for all couples. For
more information see Religious Support for Equal
Some organizations that bless multi-partner relationships may limit the
number by gender (e.g. one man and multiple women) and assume that all sexual
behavior is between individuals of different genders. Others have no such
Other restrictions on the partners in an officially-blessed relationship can
include the official membership of one or more parties in the organization,
the eligibility of each individual based upon the status of other
previously-blessed or legally-recognized relationships, and/or the perceived
compatibility of the individuals (counseling may be required to ascertain
this). Some religious institutions will not bless relationships that do not
conform to that state's requirements for marriage.
While most religious institutions in the US tend to assume a sexual
relationship between people in an officially blessed relationship, not all
organizations make this assumption. Some do not define blessed relationships
as having a sexual component, and some do not assume that sexual behavior is
limited to or by official blessing.
Sexuality, Religion and the Law
While most religious organizations are content to use their own policies to
encourage or enforce sexual behavior among their officers, employees and
members, some have attempted to mold civil law to reflect their understanding
of sexuality. Given the diversity of religious belief and practice with
respect to sexuality, such attempts usually serve no other purpose than the
advancement of a particular religion, the subsequent splintering of public
opinion and communities, and the potential violation of the civil rights of
those whose beliefs and practices do not align with those trying to effect
For more information see Religious Liberty: an
introduction to the issues.