Clergy Sexual Ethics
Sexual misconduct by clergy always seems to be in the news. Here is my take on sexual ethics for clergy. There is no such thing as sexual ethics for clergy. There is a Christian sexual ethic and Christian clergy should certainly follow it. Apart from that, there are professional responsibilities and strategies for maintaining professional relationships. These apply to all professions that bring people into close emotional proximity. The sexual ethic for married Christians is rooted in the creation story of Genesis 2: permanent, exclusive, intimate union of a man and a woman is God's intent for marriage. Add to that what Christ has revealed about the nature of God's love and you have the basic Christian sexual ethic for married people. Bottom line: as a married Christian I will do my best to maintain a healthy marriage and repair it when it's wounded. I won't have sexual or intimate contact of any kind with any person other than my spouse. I won't give the emotional ...