Sex and the Seminary is based on a survey of 36 leading seminaries and rabbinical schools of diverse size and geographic location, representing a range of Christian, Jewish and Unitarian Universalist traditions. Each institution was evaluated on criteria for a sexually healthy and responsible seminary. These criteria measure sexuality content in the curriculum; institutional commitment to sexuality and gender equity (e.g., the existence of anti‐discrimination, sexual harassment and full inclusion policies); and advocacy and support for sexuality‐related issues. The criteria were developed by an advisory group of seminary deans, faculty and clergy with expertise in sexuality. The survey and final report were authored by Dr. Kate Ott, associate director of the Religious Institute.

The survey revealed that:
- More than 90% of the seminaries surveyed do not require full‐semester, sexuality-based courses for graduation.
- Two‐thirds of the seminaries do not offer a course in sexuality issues for religious professionals. Three‐quarters do not offer a course in lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) studies.
- Seminaries offer three times as many courses in women's and feminist studies as they do in LGBT studies or other sexuality-related issues.
- The next generation of scholars is not addressing sexuality issues. Sexuality-based courses are taught by senior professors or adjunct faculty, not by upcoming faculty seeking tenured positions.

The study also recommends that the Association of Theological Schools, the accrediting body for U.S. seminaries, integrate sexuality education into its standards for ministerial formation. It calls on seminaries to strengthen their curricular offerings and inclusion policies, invest in faculty development and continuing education, and pursue collaboration with other institutions and advocacy groups to expand educational opportunities for seminarians regarding sexuality issues.

In the summer of 2009, the Religious Institute convened the 2020 Colloquium, calling together 23 clergy, theologians and religious leaders from Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Unitarian Universalist traditions. Colloquium participants established an overarching vision - that by the year 2020, all faith communities will be sexually healthy, just and prophetic.

In the report Sexuality and Religion 2020: Goals for the Next Decade, Rev. Debra Haffner and Tim Palmer outline ten goals that will enable this vision to be achieved. This report is for clergy, congregations, denominations, faith-based organizations - indeed, for all religious leaders and people of faith who believe we must create a healthier, more positive and inclusive relationship between sexuality and religion.

This book focuses on helping teenage and young adult women relate their faith to their sexual decision-making. Grounded in conversations with hundreds of young women, the authors offer candid advice on selecting a partner, communicationing in a relationship, avoiding sexual violence, and making healthy decisions. Includes information on sexual response, contraception, dating, and marriage. For both heterosexual and LGBT girls and women.

The guidebook provides a multifaith perspective for clergy on the pressing ethical and spiritual issues raised by the use of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). A Time to Be Born addresses the current medical and theological issues related to ARTs. It also covers practical issues, including pastoral counseling, congregation-based education, written resources, and organizatinal lists.

This resource is a collection of progressive theological statements, bibliographies, responsive readings, and socioeconomic data on six issues at the intersection of religion and sexuality: sex education, marriage equality, abortion, adolescent sexuality, sexual and gender diversity, and assisted reproductive technologies. Originally published as a series of Open Letters to Religious Leaders, the theological statements are the collaborative product of more than 60 theologians, clergy, ethicists, and scholars.

How do religious faith and congregational involvement influence the sexual values and behaviors of teenagers? This book reveals the results of Christian Community’s national study of 5,819 teenagers representing a broad range of religious traditions, ethnic backgrounds, economic levels, and geographic locations.

This book provides:

• an understanding of how teens feel about themselves, their bodies, and their sexuality
• personal, honest feedback from teens about their own experiences, feelings, and insecurities
• a discussion of abstinence and abstinence-only programs
• a look into what teens know about contraception, including where they are learning their information
• information on how many church active teens are having unwanted sexual experiences and how the church can help youth avoid those situations
• a look into gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth and how they relate their sexual orientation to their faith
• ways to build support in your congregation for sexuality education
• guidelines and program suggestions for talking with youth about sexuality
• discussion questions and activities for adults and youth.

Based on Christian Community’s extensive research on teenage sexuality, this book contains factual information and clear guidance to help empower teenagers for the decisions they face about the care of their bodies, dating, sexuality, marriage, and parenting. This book can be used in a variety of ways: for private reading by teenagers; for reading by teens and discussion with their parents; and for class, youth group, or retreat use.

This book includes:

• a survey for teens to see what they already know about their bodies, sex, contraception, and marriage preparedness
• a discussion of “sexuality,” including looking beyond physical acts
• a look at health, including how teens feel about their bodies and appearance
• the good reasons for not moving rapidly in sexual behavior, for abstaining from intercourse, and why abstinence is difficult
• a discussion of masturbation, kissing, touching, oral sex, and intercourse
• a look at life for non-heterosexual youth and why some religious people are negative about homosexuality
• what the Bible says about sex and how we treat each other in relationships
• how to protect against unwanted sex, including harassment, rape, and sexual abuse
• factual information on contraception, pregnancy, STDs, and abortion
• a guide to dating, marriage, and parenting.

Developed to accompany the youth resource described above, this book provides helpful guidance for parents, clergy, youth workers, and community leaders who are concerned about teens and who either want to study the youth resource along with teens or who are looking for a resource about teen sexuality from an adult perspective. This book gives practical advice on talking with teens about sex and also provides session plans for six week, eight week, or thirteen week studies of The Gift of Sexuality.

This important book provides the tools that faith communities need to:

• determine under what circumstances, if any, a convicted sex offender may be involved in the congregation
• determine how to respond if someone in the congregation is accused of a sexual offense
• be sensitive to and supportive of persons in the congregation who have been victims of abuse
• develop and implement strategies that will keep children in the congregation safe and which will prevent sexual abuse from happening.

A Time to Heal shows the unique way that faith communities can make a difference both by protecting and transforming lives. This resource can be used by clergy, lay leadership in churches and synagogues, denominational executives, regional judicatory executives, correctional officials, judges, parole officers, probation officers, and treatment providers.

This book affirms the unique role of congregations in providing sexuality education. This publication explains:

• why religious institutions must be involved in sexuality education
• how churches can provide sexuality education in the congregational environment
• how churches can support sexuality education in the community.

This resource includes an extensive listing of denominational statements on sexuality education and a thorough guide to sexuality resources available from many denominations. This book is a great planning tool for the local church.

This book provides:

• characteristics of sexually healthy faith communities
• characteristics of sexually healthy religious professionals
• guidance on “safe congregation” policies, including the prevention of sexual abuse and sexual harassment
• ideas for worship services and sermons on sexuality issues
• guidance on sexuality counseling by trained religious leaders
• strategies for sexuality education for children, youth, and adults
• information on becoming a welcoming and affirming congregation
• suggestions on how congregations can advocate for sexual and spiritual wholeness in their communities.