Bishops get draft of guidelines for education in chaste living

Published: 2007-05-08

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- "Education for chastity is more than a call to abstinence," says a draft document being studied by the U.S. Catholic bishops in preparation for a vote this fall. Sent out to the bishops at the end of April, the draft is titled "Catechetical Formation in Chaste Living: Guidelines for Curriculum Design and Publication." "Parents are called to ensure that their children's education in human sexuality occurs within the context of the moral principles and truths of the church," it says. It adds that parents are "the primary but not the exclusive educators of their children" and that the invitation to other educators "to carry out their responsibilities in the name of the parents arises from the consent and authorization of the parents." It says, "Education for chastity, sustained by parental example and prayer, is absolutely essential to develop authentic maturity, teach respect for the body and foster an understanding of the nuptial meaning of the body." The 14-page draft document was developed by the Committee on Catechesis of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, chaired by Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl of Washington.

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