The Religious Institute regularly conducts research to gauge the viewpoints of progressive religious leaders on sexual justice issues and to identify best practices and effective strategies for congregations, seminaries, denominations, and other educational institutions. Our research reports are either free and able to be downloaded or available for purchase in our online store.
Time to Embrace: Why the Sexual and Reproductive Justice Movement Needs Religion, 2015
A Time to Embrace: Why the Sexual and Reproductive Justice Movement Needs Religion is a white paper that argues that renewing the engagement of religious leaders and people of faith is essential to the progress and long-term success of the sexual and reproductive health and justice (SRH and RJ) movement.
Sex and the Seminary: Preparing Ministers for Sexual Health and Justice, 2009
Sex and the Seminary is based on a survey of 36 leading seminaries and rabbinical schools, evaluating whether they were sexually healthy and responsible. The criteria measured sexuality content in the curriculum; institutional commitment to sexuality and gender equity; and advocacy and support for sexuality‐related issues. It has had a tremendous impact on the shape of graduate theological education on sexuality.
Sexuality and Religion 2020: Goals for the Next Decade, 2010
Sexuality and Religion 2020 establishes an overarching vision – that by the year 2020, all faith communities will be sexually healthy, just and prophetic. It is the result of a Summer 2009 event during which the Religious Institute convened the 2020 Colloquium, calling together 23 clergy, theologians, and religious leaders from Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Unitarian Universalist traditions.
Survey of Religious Professionals on Internet And Social Media Use, 2013
In the fall of 2012, the Religious Institute surveyed clergy in the Religious Institute database of progressive religious leaders regarding congregational and personal use of the Internet and social media, with a focus on sexuality issues. The survey responses indicated that while a majority of clergy and congregations have an active social media presence, there are virtually no written policies or national standards on how congregations or clergy are to use these technologies. Based on this work, the Religious Institute has published guidelines for congregational and clergy use of the Internet and social media, with a focus on sexuality issues.
Toward a Sexually Healthy and Responsible Unitarian Universalist Association, 2009
In July 2009, the Religious Institute, with support from the Unitarian Universalist Veatch Program at Shelter Rock and the leadership staff of the UUA, began a systematic review of the Unitarian Universalist Association’s sexuality-related policies, programs, advocacy, and commitments.
Survey of Religious Progressives: A Report on Progressive Clergy Action, 2010
Survey of Religious Progressives” is a groundbreaking study of progressive clergy in the Religious Institute’s national network. The report is based on a survey assessing clergy attitudes and congregational action regarding LGBT inclusion and other sexual justice concerns. The report concludes with the Religious Institute’s recommendations for increased attention to sexual health and justice in congregations and denominations.