Framing document for human sexuality education published

The National Centre for Religious Studies is pleased to make available to Catholic schools and the wider Aotearoa Catholic community a new framing document for human sexuality education.

The document is titled He Anga Whakamārama - Te Mātauranga Hōkakatanga: He puka ārahi mā ngā hapori Katorika o Aotearoa (Framing Document - Human Sexuality Education: A guide for Catholic communities in Aotearoa New Zealand). It examines the Catholic Church’s understanding of human sexuality and the reasons why it is an important area for exploration and teaching within Catholic schools and communities.

The Framing Document offers both the foundations for why we should teach about human sexuality as well as practical guidance for what should be taught, how and by whom at appropriate ages. It also places this rich Catholic teaching in the context of Aotearoa.

In his forward Bishop Patrick Dunn says: “The Catholic Bishops of Aotearoa New Zealand wish to commend this document as a guide for human sexuality education in this land, and to assure educators and whānau of their prayerful support.”

The National Centre for Religious Studies believes that this long-awaited document will be a significant reference, particularly for Catholic schools, and a resource for wider dialogue about this wonderful area in the development of the human person.

Download the document here in PDF format.