PROGRAMS
| BLACK CHURCH INITIATIVE
National Black Religious Summit 12 on Sexuality
The Dawn of a New Day
Adult Track Sessions
This year's adult track will include sessions on domestic violence, homosexuality and the Black church, advocating for comprehensive sex education, the gifts of women in the pulpit, sexuality and the ministry, "Safe Church" practices for children, and more.
Wednesday and Thursday Sessions
Speaking Truth to Power
Over $1.5 billion has been spent on abstinence-only programs
despite their failure to keep young people abstinent. The rates
of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases among teens
remain frighteningly high. The African American community
knows first hand the harsh toll these failed programs take on
young people. Meanwhile, balanced, responsible sex education
programs languish. This interactive session will examine the
role faith leaders can play in making sure that young people
have access to the information they need, the differing values
underlying abstinence-only education and comprehensive sex
education, and ways that participants can begin to advocate for
accurate sex education in their homes, churches and schools.
Moving Beyond the Veil
Recent reports of domestic violence among high-profile Black
religious icons are providing a much needed opportunity for
the Black Church to examine its response to this devastating,
often silent killer, which impacts the church at all levels.
Does the Black Church condone domestic violence, using the
Bible as an excuse? Are religious leaders being allowed to
behave abusively by those who want to protect the church’s
leadership and avoid drawing negative media attention to the
church? Using a culturally competent model which emphasizes
including African American churches as vital components of the
African American community, this workshop will help to define
domestic violence and explore strategies and interventions the
church can employ to address domestic violence in its midst.
Their Own Receive Them Not
Society at large, and particularly the Black Church, historically
has discriminated against homosexuals and continues to
perpetuate pain and isolation. Many in the Christian community
think a person cannot be both Christian and homosexual.
African Americans who are Christian and homosexual, as well as
their family members and friends, have many questions: How do
homosexuals reconcile their sexual orientation and their faith?
What roles has the church played in creating an inclusive,
affirming place for all of God’s children? Should lesbian, gay,
and bisexual persons have leadership roles in the church?
This workshop will address these and other questions related
to the past, present and future roles of the Black Church in
addressing issues around homosexuality.
Sex, Love and Power in the Pulpit
What are we doing to create a church where the gifts of
women are as valued as the gifts of men? Equality between
men and women presents a challenge in the historical Black
Church tradition. Examining the subject of women versus male
power in the Black Church, this workshop explores historical
perspectives on women as pastors and denominational leaders.
Looking specifically at the ministries of Jesus and Paul,
participants will discover what the Bible really says about
women’s leadership in the church.
Human Sexuality and Ministry
This workshop is designed to explore issues of human sexuality
as they relate to persons preparing for parish ministry and
those who are currently pastors. Participants will examine
biblical text related to sexuality, study contemporary pastoral
concerns, and learn how to use the Internet and other
resources for information and referral purposes. The objective
of this workshop is to help participants gain a greater
awareness of personal, societal, religious/spiritual and historical
sexuality issues that impact pastoral leadership.
Is Your Church Safe for Children
The crisis of sexual assaults by leaders and pastors in the
church has brought a new level of scrutiny to the safety
of children in all religious settings and denominations. This
workshop will explore emerging standards for churches to keep
children safe from sexual harassment and abuse. What would
you do if a visitor to your church acknowledged their status as
a sex offender? What would you do if a church member was
discovered to be a sex offender? What if that person was your
youth leader? Does your church have “Safe Church” policies
and practices in place? This workshop will assist participants
in exploring the role of the church as a “Safe Church” for
children.
Friday Sessions
Theology of Choice
This workshop will discuss the basic elements of a human
sexuality curriculum for the Black Church. We will utilize
basic Christian doctrine to explore the centrality of sexuality
education in the Christian community. The basic elements of
human sexuality education include: creation as the work of God;
incarnation as the affirmative presence of God; and pleasure and
productivity as the fulfillment of God in the world.
“Keeping It Real!” and “Manteniendolo Real!” Faith -based Sexuality
Education Curriculum
Newly revised curriculum training!
Newly revised curriculum! Rates of HIV/AIDS, other sexually
transmitted diseases (STDs), and teen pregnancy are
disproportionately high for African American and Latino youth.
As a place of preparation and education for life, the church
is called to “break the silence” about sex and sexuality with
youth. As a ministry tool, “Keeping It Real!” is a groundbreaking
Bible-based, eight session curriculum designed to help youth
talk about sexuality with parents and peers. This workshop will
provide an overview of the curriculum, suggestions for involving
parents, and guidelines for implementing the program in your
church or organization.
Preaching When the Subject is Sex
Adultery, rape, sexual pleasure, masturbation, infertility,
reproduction, sexual dysfunction, teen sexual activity, etc.,
are all a part of the human experience. Yet, they rarely are
addressed from the pulpit. This workshop is designed to assist
clergy in identifying the challenges they personally face in
preaching about these subjects. The workshop will provide
opportunities for discussion about how denominational
doctrine and practice impact preaching on this sensitive
subjects. Participants will learn strategies for crafting sermons
that include sexuality issues experienced throughout the
lifespan.
The Good Samaritan:
Starting an HIV/AIDS Ministry
Clergy, laity and non-profit organizations working with
congregations will have an opportunity to learn what is
necessary to develop an HIV/AIDS ministry. Using a successful
model of HIV/AIDS ministry, participants will discuss bridges
and barriers encountered when ministering to persons living
with HIV/AIDS. In addition, we will explore strategies for helping
congregations deal with their own concerns surrounding HIV/AIDS. Tips and strategies for congregations that have existing
ministries will also be provided.
Pastoral Care and Reproductive
Health Counseling
All clergy and ministry leaders are called to minister to the
needs of the whole person - physical, spiritual, emotional and
psychological. In this workshop, participants will assess their
level of pastoral skills. Through a specific exercise, they will
review pastoral care principles, in conjunction with the ministry
of Jesus. Emphasis will be given to knowledge, experience and
comfort in engaging women and families confronted with issues
related to healthcare and reproductive health choices including
an introduction on how to provide a pregnant woman with all
available information about options - parenthood, adoption, and
pregnancy termination.
Ties That Bind: African Americans and
Latinos in Dialogue and Ministry - Lazos que
Unen: Afro-Americanos y Latinos en Dialogo y
Ministerio
African Americans and Latinos have the highest rates of teen
pregnancy and HIV/AIDS of any demographic group in the
United States. This workshop, offered in both English and Spanish,
will provide an opportunity for African Americans and Latinos
to identify stereotypes and prejudices that create barriers to
collaboration in addressing teen pregnancy and HIV/AIDS. The
religious and cultural values of these two communities will be
explored and suggestions will be offered about assisting parents,
adults and clergy in communicating effectively about these
sensitive subjects.
Teen Leadership Institute Sessions
The Teen Leadership Institute is open to youth ages 13-18.
Wednesday and
Thursday Sessions
Beyond the Beat
Contemporary music and print and electronic media have both
positive and harmful effects on youth. Youth participants in this
workshop will examine the ways music, television, and other
media influence actions and attitudes about sex and sexuality.
They will explore the meanings of lyrics, evaluate lyrics from
a faith perspective, and discuss how to create their own lyrics.
Using “Keeping It Real!” Session 4, they will also discuss how to
reject negative media images and influences and create positive
spiritual and faithful alternatives.
Me, Too
This workshop is designed to help African American and Latino
youth to discover their commonalities. Using music and
exploring the values of our common faith traditions, African
American and Latino youth participants will explore myths and
misperceptions about their cultures as well as the similarities.
Workshop participants will develop best practices for talking to
youth of different cultures about sexuality.
In the Master’s Hands
“I am he who will sustain you. I made you and I will carry
you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” Navigating
sexuality can be challenging to a young person of faith.
Pressure to engage in sexual activity comes in many forms
and mediums. Youth must develop refusal skills and strategies
to avoid unwanted sexual advances and be able to discern
situations that will put them at risk. This workshop will aid
youth in putting on the whole armor of God.
Sexuality and Spirituality
Sexuality is a God-given basic part of being human. This
workshop will provide a spiritual context for understanding
God’s gift of sexuality. Youth participants will explore what
it means to be created in the image of God as sexual and
spiritual beings. Youth will have the opportunity to share, in a
safe space, concerns about relationships, body image and sexual
behavior and its consequences.
I Thought It Wouldn’t Hurt
This workshop is designed to explore teen dating violence.
Statistics show that young people between the ages of
15-24 experience high rates of violence, both as victims
and as perpetrators. This includes intimate partner violence,
acquaintance violence and family violence. The objective is
to increase awareness that dating violence is against God’s
will and empower young people to avoid or leave unhealthy
relationships.
Youth Ambassadors for
Christ (ages 16-18)
Youth have the capacity to make positive change. This
workshop will examine Biblical and Black historical figures as
examples of youth leadership. Youth participants will engage
in an intense leadership training that will equip them to
be transformational agents of change in their own churches
and communities. Skills will include public speaking, HIV/AIDS
education, group facilitation, teen pregnancy prevention
strategies and advocacy. Participants will receive a certificate
upon completion and have an opportunity for ongoing
leadership training.
Friday Sessions
Growing Pains
Scripture says that we are fearfully and wonderfully made.
This workshop is designed to provide youth with basic
information about anatomy, physiology and puberty. In a fun and energetic setting, youth will learn about adolescent
stages of development, reproductive anatomy and function,
and how to navigate the social, emotional and physical
realities of the adolescent years.
Choices and Consequences – Males Only
You are just as responsible as she is! This fun, interactive
and informative workshop for males only is designed to
help participants articulate their own personal values. Using
both positive and negative examples of male responsibility
in the Bible, this workshop will help male youth make wise
and responsible decisions, understand and develop skills for
avoiding premature fatherhood, and deal with media and
peer pressure to conform to unhealthy stereotypes.
Just Fine – Females Only
“I like what I see when I’m looking at me,” when I’m
walking pass the mirror.” We are all uniquely designed by
God - short, tall, big hips, small hips, long hair, short, hair, “high yellow” or ebony brown. Female teen participants
will create their own individual definitions of beauty while
examining barriers to self love and awareness. Participants
will also explore how insecurities can affect friendships, the
way they treat others and building positive sisterhood.
Heaven Sent
Young people date, young people break up. This workshop
will explore Godly relationships. During this workshop youth
will create a perfect partner description. Participants will
explore their values, missions and goals in life and the
role relationships may or may not play in fulfilling their
life goals. Participants will learn skills and techniques to
peacefully end unfulfilling relationships.
Forms for Teen Leadership Institute - MUST BE COMPLETED AND RETURNED BY JUNE 15, 2008.
Chaperone Registration Form
Chaperone Guidelines
Parent Permission Form
For more information about the Summit, contact 202-628-7700 or info@rcrc.org.
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