The Anglican Theology Of Sexuality: Its Teaching And Practice Among Students In Anglican Church Founded Schools In Jinja District, Busoga Region, Uganda

ABSTRACT

There is growing concern over teenage sexual behaviour given the high level of teenage pregnancy and an increase in sexually transmitted diseases. Christianity has always provided standards by which behaviour is regulated. The study examined the teachings and practice of the Anglican Theology of sexuality by students in Anglican Church founded schools, Jinja District. The Anglican Church formulated the Provincial Education Policy to ensure that the core values of the Anglican Church are promoted in Anglican Church Founded schools. These include Godliness, faithfulness to the scriptures and upholding Biblical family values. The Christian activities through which the Anglican Theology of sexuality is transmitted to students in these schools include Bible studies, prayer meetings, fellowship meetings, evangelism drives and holiday camps The objectives of the study were: To explore the Anglican Theology of sexuality, and To investigate the role played by school management committees, administrators and religious leaders in promoting the practice of the Anglican Theology of Sexuality among students in Anglican Church founded schools. The effect of the Anglican Theology of sexuality on students‟ behaviour was assessed. Also challenges faced by the Anglican Church founded schools in the dissemination of the Anglican Theology of sexuality to students were explored. Lastly, strategies that can be used by the Anglican Church to effectively disseminate their Theology of sexuality among students in the Church founded schools were explored. Literature was reviewed regarding the teachings of the Anglican Theology of sexuality, the role played by administrators and religious leaders in teaching Religious values to students, effect of Religious teachings on the sexual behaviour of young people and the challenges faced in teaching religious values to young people. The study employed a descriptive research survey. The study was conducted among nine Anglican Church Founded Schools in Jinja district, Busoga region. The targeted age bracket was 13-18 years an age that is mostly affected by sexual challenges. Uganda. Primary data were collected mainly through oral interviews, questionnaires, participant observation and focus group discussions. Secondary data were collected from both published and unpublished books, journals, Newsletters and internet sites. Data collected from these libraries helped establish the research problem and the rationale for the research. The respondents included students and the target group was between 13-19 years. In addition, head teachers of Anglican Church Founded Schools, chaplains, counselors and the Diocesan Education Coordinator were also involved in the study. Non probability and purposive sampling was used to sample the respondents. The study employed a descriptive research survey. The overall data was synthesized, analyzed, interpreted and discussed in light of Smith‟s (2003) Theory of Religious Effect on the Sexuality of Young People. This theory identified the following paradigms as necessary for religion to have a positive impact on the behaviour and attitudes of young people: moral directives, spiritual experiences, role models, coping skills and extra community links. Collected data were presented in chapters basing on the research objectives. From the research findings, conclusions and recommendations were made.