GA asked to bring sexuality curriculum into conformance with Bible, constitution By Paula R. Kincaid The Layman Online Tuesday, May 25, 1999 According to the Donegal overture, "The material at every level, regardless of whether or not it is a revised edition, contains material on sexuality that does not conform to the biblical and constitutional standards of the Presbyterian Church (USA)." Citing several instances where the denomination's sexuality curriculum fails to conform to biblical standards, the Presbytery of Donegal has requested the 211th General Assembly to ensure that the curriculum reflects biblical values. Overture 99-46, asks GA to: 1. "reaffirm to the churches of our denomination its commitment to biblical standards of sexuality and marriage;" 2. "instruct the General Assembly Council to take the necessary steps to cease distribution immediately of the sexuality curriculum of all ages;" 3. "instruct that all the contents of all the parts of the sexuality curriculum be brought into conformance with biblical and constitutional standards;" 4. "instruct that, before redistribution, the sexuality curriculum be approved by General Assembly." The PCUSA's sexuality curriculum includes materials for students from preschool age to high school. According to the Donegal overture, "The material at every level, regardless of whether or not it is a revised edition, contains material on sexuality that does not conform to the biblical and constitutional standards of the Presbyterian Church (USA)." Examples of non-conformity The overture cites several examples of non-conformity: – "In answer to the question, 'Should teenagers have sexual intercourse before marriage?' it says, 'We believe it is best to postpone intercourse until marriage. If a teenage couple decides to have a sexual relationship, they have the responsibility to use effective contraception' (Older Youth Guide, p. 10; Leader's Guide, pp. 17-18; Parent's Guide [elementary level], p. 41; Leader's Guide [elementary level], p. 105; Guide for Congregations [preschool level], p. 37)." – "In answer to the question, 'What does Jesus teach about extramarital sex?' it says, 'Jesus' teaching goes beyond the act to the state of the heart. Motivation and intent are the deciding factors . . .' (Older Youth Guide, p. 11; Leader's Guide, p. 18; Parent's Guide [elementary level], p. 42; Leader's Guide [elementary level], p. 106; Guide for Congregations [preschool level], p. 37)." The Bible's answer The examples deal with the same basic question - the question of sexual intercourse outside the bounds of the covenant of marriage. The overture says that "Scripture plainly teaches and warns that sexual immorality is not to be found among the people of God (Ex. 20:14, Jude verses 3-8, Heb. 13:4, Rom. 13:12-13, 1 Cor. 6:9-11, 1 Cor. 6:18-20, 1 Cor. 5:1-13, Gal. 5:16-24, Eph. 5:1-17, Col. 3:1-10, 1 Thes. 4:1-8, Heb. 12:14-29, Matt. 15:17-20, Matt. 19:4-6, Mark 7:18-23, Rev. 21:1-8, Rev. 22:10-20)". In regards to the church's Book of Confessions, the overture continues, "Our constitutional confessions plainly teach and warn that Christians are always bound by God's moral law (6.105), that repentance is 'of such necessity to all sinners, that none may expect pardon without it' (6.081-.086) and 'adultery, fornication . . .' (7.249) as being forbidden by God, and further teach the requirement of sexual purity among the people of God (7.248-.249, 4.108-.109, 5.245-.247, 5.251, 6.131-.139), other references include 7.070, 4.087, 9.47." The overture also cites Book of Order references.

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