The Catholic bishops of Aotearoa New Zealand have
published new guidelines for the country’s 235 Catholic
schools to support young people with regard to sexual
diversity.
The guidelines make it clear that all young
people in Catholic schools – including vulnerable
rangatahi – are to be welcomed, supported and encouraged
as they navigate their journey from childhood to adult and
discover more who they are.
The guidelines, Aroha
and Diversity in Catholic Schools, have been drafted by
the Church’s National Centre for Religious Studies after
comprehensive dialogue between the bishops, principals,
national and diocesan Catholic education leaders and young
people themselves.
Bishop of Auckland Stephen Lowe,
Secretary and Vice President of the NZ Catholic Bishops
Conference, says the bishops are well aware of the need to
support school leadership and rangatahi in navigating the
complex reality of sexual diversity.
“Young people
today do not live in a bubble. They are aware, and inform
themselves of the range of social, scientific, ideological
and religious stances regarding this issue, and there is a
lot of pressure and rhetoric about this issue. This
challenges and can pressurise young people, their whānau,
and schools and wider communities,” says Bishop
Lowe.
Bishop Lowe says the guidelines clearly
articulate the rich teaching of the Catholic Church and
provide practical information and tools to help schools make
informed decisions regarding the support of rangatahi who
are grappling with issues around sexual diversity in the
complexities of our modern world.
“All of us are
made in the image of God, and all are called into authentic
relationship with God, ourselves, each other and our world.
Such relationships are never static, and our young people
must navigate their own challenging and sacred journey from
childhood to adulthood.
“Our identities as adults
take time to form, and vulnerable young people should not
feel pushed or coerced to make decisions about themselves
too soon. In the midst of their journey, the rangatahi in
our schools deserve to be welcomed with aroha and
manaakitanga, and encouraged to discover the beauty and
wonder of themselves in a way that reflects Jesus’ words
and actions of love, compassion and
challenge.”
Footnote: Approximately
66,000 students attend the 235 state-integrated Catholic
schools in Aotearoa New Zealand.
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