Chicago, Ill., Feb 17, 2005 / 22:00 pm
A new course on sexual ethics, contraception and other “reproductive issues” is now available to Protestant seminaries in the United States.
The Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, in conjunction with the Chicago Theological Seminary, has launched the curriculum for a course called "Theology and Reproductive Choice.”
The course claims to teach seminary students “theological perspectives on reproductive freedom as a distinct subject.”
A press release states that the course “examines contemporary issues such as religious authority over moral decision-making, the role of religion in developing public policy about reproductive issues, and sexual ethics.”
It covers five themes. Two among them are: “Reproductive decision-making in the context of world religions” and “Feminist theological perspectives on reproductive choice.”
It also claims to be “a practical course,” teaching seminary students how to apply these concepts in their future role as clergy.
As members of the coalition, the course is also backed by Catholics for Free Choice, a pro-abortion group, which the U.S. bishops have denounced.
The coalition is contacting theology professors to introduce the course to their universities and students.
The coalition was founded in 1973 by clergy and lay leaders, and it includes organizations from 15 religions and traditions.