The Center For Sexuality and Religion



		Press Releases Press Release For Immediate Release 2/2/2005 THE CENTER FOR SEXUALITY OF RELIGION PRESENTS ITS SPRING CONFERENCE SERIES ENTITLED “FAITH MATTERS: DEALING WITH SEXUAL ISSUES FROM A FAITH PERSPECTIVE" WAYNE, PA……..February 7, 2005 – The Center for Sexuality and Religion (CSR) will present a Spring Conference Series of three half-day workshops entitled “FAITH MATTERS: Dealing with Sexual Issues From a Faith Perspective.” The dates for the series are February 24, March 10, and April 7, 2005. It will be held at CSR, 987 Old Eagle School Road, Suite 719 in Wayne. Each conference will begin at 9 a.m. and end at noon. Conference attendees will have the opportunity to choose from the following three topics: - Adolescents, Faith and Sexuality (Feb. 24) - Broken Relationships: Moving Ahead Sexually (Mar. 10) - Balancing Sexual and Religious Issues (April 7) Dr. Paul S. Rimassa, M.Div., Ph.D., executive director of CSR, will be the presenter. “ This is an opportunity for us to get together to share our experiences and to learn from one another. Dealing with these issues within a ministerial environment takes both knowledge and sensitivity,” he said. The cost for the series is $50 for one session and $35 per session for two sessions or more. To register, please call (610) 995-0341 or email info-csr@ctrsr.org. CSR has additional educational opportunities available. For more information, call or visit www.ctrsr.org. Press Release For Immediate Release 12/3/2004 LETTER TO THE EDITOR Don’t be afraid to ask! Before you, or your place of worship, get too hot and bothered about the new Kinsey film, take note: it’s not about sex! Kinsey wasn’t a trained sexual scientist. He started his professional life as a biology professor at Indiana University. He specialized in entomology and studied a small bug (about the size of a fruit fly) called the Gall Wasps. There are about three thousand species of gall wasps. The prevailing belief at the time was that all the individuals in a species were identical. Kinsey was not sure this was correct so he began collecting gall wasps. For each individual wasp he took twenty-eight different measurements, then glued it to a pinhead, and labeled it with species name, date and location of collection. His total collection numbers five million. He proved that indiviual wasps, even if they were members of the same species, show an infinite number of variations. In 1938, while teaching a "marriage class" he realized that the students’ sexual experiences were far more varied than society recognized and that their desire for information was great. Many of their questions were unanswerable because there was no scientific literature about human sexual behavior. The data simply did not exist. Unlike the study of Gall Wasps, no one had researched human sexual behavior. He decided to study human sexual behavior in the same scientific manner, this time collecting histories and behaviors rather than specimens. Once again his hypothesis that there would be an infinite variety within the species was clearly demonstrated in the Kinsey's studies, published in 1948 and 1953. The world view of sexuality was changed forever. The Kinsey movie is really about the role of science in society. He may not have expected this revealed reality to be so controversial. He eventually lost his research funding due to the political storm created by his work. In my own work, as Executive Director of the Center for Sexuality and Religion (CSR), a national non-profit organization headquartered in Wayne, PA, I have witnessed that many people’s religious upbringing guides their sexual behavior. This upbringing often provides very little, if any, scientific contemporary human sexuality education. The primary goal of CSR is to establish the positive relationship between human sexuality, spiritual health and justice by providing clergy and laity with information, education, training, techniques and skills that foster and advocate the attitudes and values for sexual and spiritual health and justice. We stand ready and willing to bring new and relevant educational opportunities to clergy and lay ministers. But, like Kinsey, we experience hesitancy from some members of our potential audience because the sexual sciences are still sometimes deemed “controversial.” Members of congregations need to think about the society’s reaction to Kinsey, and ask for changes within their own communities to promote a healthier view of sexuality and religion. SUBMITTED BY: Paul S. Rimassa, M.Div., Ph.D. Mobile: (609) 462-0028 psrimassa@ctrst.org www.ctrsr.org Press Release For Immediate Release 8/20/04 The following editorial was disseminated to the media August 13, 2004. To the Editor: In the days following Governor James McGreevy's resignation from the office of Governor of New Jersey, people still attempt to pinpoint the underlying issue. It is political? Is it the anticipated judgment of a consensual or non-consensual sexual relationship? Is it the admission of homosexuality from an elected official, husband and father, and the emotions such a revelation stirs within family, religious groups and communities in general? Whatever the underlying issue, it gives us a true glimpse into our human nature. While this story is about the resignation of our State Governor, in actuality, it is about each and every one of us. At The Center for Sexuality and Religion, we believe events such as this offer another opportunity to acknowledge the power of our sexuality and the dynamics in our culture regarding the sexuality issues we all face. I believe the Governor must be supported in his decision to acknowledge his struggle and to openly discuss his sexual orientation. I also believe we can learn a great deal from this experience. As open as our society may seem regarding sexuality, there are still may issues—like sexual orientation—which remain on the margins of society. On the surface, we profess the acceptance of homosexuals; however, within cultural structures such as religious institutions, there are still judgments of non-acceptability. As Americans, we have the freedom to express our faith or non-faith. For those who believe God created us in his/her image and gave us the gift of sexuality; its connection to relationships and an understanding of what giving life means must be better understood. If we look at Governor McGreevy from a human perspective, perhaps each of us can reflect upon our own sexuality and our own sexual journey with greater clarity. Respectfully submitted by: Paul S. Rimassa, M. Div., Ph.D. CSR Executive Director Press Release For Immediate Release 7/19/04 “ Setting New Margins: Addressing the Needs of Christians Who Feel Sexually Marginalized” WAYNE, PA….July 19, 2004….The Center for Sexuality and Religion (CSR) will present a series of four half-day workshops entitled “Setting New Margins: Addressing the Needs of Christians Who Feel Sexually Marginalized.” The workshops will be held Thursday mornings at CSR on Old Eagle School Road here in Wayne, beginning September 30th and ending October 21st. Topics will include “Homosexuals are God’s People, Too,” “Nature and Nurture – What Science is Saying About Sexual Orientation,” “A Holistic Look at Sexual Pleasure in the Christian Scriptures,” and “Sexual Communication within the Christian Community: Finding Common Ground on Which to Grow.” “ At times, we can all find ourselves on the ‘margins’ within our religious denominations,” Dr. Rimassa said. “Many times these margins lie within our private lives, sexually and spiritually. Religion and sexuality is an important and sensitive issue, which is not openly discussed within faith communities. By defining our margins and learning about them, we can discover more about ourselves and the faith we profess.” The cost is $50 for 1 session, $35 per session when registering for two or more sessions. The cost includes a certificate of completion and qualification for a scholarship (funded by The Carpenter Foundation) to CSR’s Independent Study Program. To register, please call (610) 995-0341 or email. Press Release For Immediate Release 3/11/04 “ Setting New Margins: A Look at the Spiritual Needs of the Religiously and Sexually Marginalized” WAYNE, PA, March 15, 2004—The Center For Sexuality And Religion (CSR) will present a series of three half-day workshops entitled “Setting New Margins: A Look at the Spiritual Needs of the Religiously and Sexually Marginalized.” The workshops will be held at CSR on Old Eagle School Road here in Wayne May 7, June 4, and June 10, 2004. The sessions will begin at 9 a.m. and end at noon. Topics and presenters will include “Out of Religion’s Silence, Women Emerge” with Dr. Carol Cobb-Nettleton, “Homosexuality and The Christian Church” with Dr. Paul S. Rimassa, and “A Comprehensive Overview of Child Sexual Abuse” with Dr. Janet F. Rosenzweig. “ In our lives, we can all find ourselves on the ‘margins’ within our society,” Dr. Rimassa said. “Many times these margins can lie within our religious and private lives. Religion and sexuality are important and sensitive issues, which many times, are not openly discussed. By defining our margins and learning more about them, we can discover more about ourselves and the society in which we live.” The cost is $50 for 1 session, $90 for 2 sessions and $120 for all 3 sessions. There will be a 10% discount for groups of 3 or more. The cost includes Certificate of Completion/Qualification for partial scholarship to CSR Independent Study Program. To register, please call (610) 995-0341 or email info-csr@ctrsr.org before April 16, 2004. More information is also available at www.ctrsr.org. Editorial: Let Sexual Justice Prevail 2/17/04 Same-sex unions. One way or another, many people now feel "there ought to be a law." How do lawmakers, cognizant of the separation of church and state, deal with the distinction between secular and religious union? Are they being asked to codify committed relationships? Or, are they being asked to redefine marriage from traditional, religious and biblical perspectives? With procreation being the obvious difference, what are the other differences between heterosexual and same-sex unions? If we accept that an individual's sexual orientation is a "gift from God" — meaning no one chooses to be either heterosexual or homosexual — then the call by God to enter into committed relationships must, in justice, be open to all people. While justice is the call of almost all faith groups, that call appears to stop at sexual issues. Perhaps faith groups are not comfortable in dealing with sexual feelings and behaviors, in general. Ideally, sexual justice asks us to put aside our own uncertainties and ask the question, "Are the persons in this relationship nurturing and focused on one another and the community?" If so, all of our well-meaning leaders should simply let justice prevail. Submitted to the New York Times 2-12-04 by: Paul S. Rimassa, M.Div., Ph.D., Executive Director Press Release For Immediate Release 8/27/03 THE CENTER FOR SEXUALITY AND RELIGION OFFERS NEW, INDENDENT STUDY PROGRAM ON HUMAN SEXUALITY WAYNE, PA: The Center for Sexuality and Religion is introducing a new independent study program where persons from a wide variety of ministries and human services can focus on personal development, spirituality, morality, psychology, biology and communication in relation to human sexuality. This program is designed to help educate men and women not just to understand the various aspects of sexuality from a faith perspective, but also to be able to discuss sexual matters with those in their care in a realistic, comfortable and effective manner. “ Under the direction of a professional faculty knowledgeable and experienced in fostering personal development toward psychosexual and social maturity, the program participants are able to focus virtually all of their time on the single topic of sexuality,” said Dr. Paul S. Rimassa, M. Div., Ph.D., the Executive Director of CSR. Dr. Rimassa has first-hand knowledge of the need for this type of opportunity. After 19 years of serving in active ministry with the Roman Catholic Church, Dr. Rimassa earned his Ph.D. in Human Sexuality Education from the University of Pennsylvania. He also holds a master’s of divinity degree from Seton Hall University and a master’s in counseling from LaSalle University. CSR’s independent study program is guided by mentors, so that the individual can pursue his or her own educational needs and professional requirements. Among the many possible areas of concentration are the following: * Marriage and sexuality * Gender issues * Sexual abuse and boundary violations * Sexuality and celibacy * Sexual ethics * Homosexuality and homophobia * Psychosexual development * Spirituality and sexuality * Psychosexual problems * Physiology and sexuality * Sexual addiction * Transgender issues “ The concept for this Center belongs to the late Rev. Dr. James Gill, a Jesuit priest and a former member of the CSR board,” Dr. Rimassa said. “After the closing of The Christian Institute for the Study of Human Sexuality in December, 2002, CSR felt there was a continued need for the education of clergy, religious and lay ministers of all faith groups in the area of human sexuality.” Rev. Gill established the Institute and its program after having discussed the concept with numerous bishops, superiors of religious congregations, formation personnel, and spiritual directors who have expressed their strong conviction that the concept is solid and the project was timely. The superior general of the Society of Jesus, major superiors of other congregations of women and men, bishops and seminary rectors have also strongly endorsed the establishment of the Institute and its program. All hope CSR will continue this important work. For more information, contact Dr. Rimassa at CSR, (610) 995-0341or close this window and visit the Independant Study page on our site. Press Release For Immediate Release 8/8/03 Letter to the Editor published in the Philadelphia Inquirer August 7, 2003 The challenge that the Episcopal Church is facing today regarding the issues of same sex unions being blessed by the Church and the election of an openly gay bishop, highlights the need for human sexuality education within our religious institutions. When any one faith group or individual believes that they know the mind of God, then there is no opportunity for dialogue and change. From a Christian perspective Jesus was the greatest educator, he challenged us by example to be open to change. He was a person of relationship and not of legalism. He tried to breakdown barriers that stereotyped and marginalized people. He offered an opportunity for each of us to express our human need to love and to be loved. We need to focus less on sexual behaviors and more on relationships. Jesus lived his faith through relationships. If we are following Jesus, then we must be open to an educational process that is based on a relational God. The Center for Sexuality and Religion Wayne, Pa 19087-1708 610-995-0341 cell 609-462-0028 www.ctrsr.org info-csr@ctrsr.org Cell 609-462-0028 Press Release For Immediate Release 7/27/03 CHATAUQUA INSTITUTION WELCOMES DR. PAUL S. RIMASSA, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE CENTER FOR SEXUALITY AND RELIGION JAMESTOWN, NEW YORK The Chautauqua Institution, a non-profit, 750-acre educational center located beside Chautauqua Lake in Jamestown, New York, is dedicating the ninth week of its Summer, 2003, schedule to the study of human sexuality. Wednesday, August 20th, Dr. Paul Rimassa, M.Div., Ph.D., executive director of The Center for Sexuality and Religion, based in Wayne, PA, will speak on the topic “Why does there seem to be a problem between sexuality and religion?” He will follow Jocelyn Elders, the former United States surgeon general, who will speak about public health services. “ I applaud the Chautauqua Institution for including this type of presentation in its program. I look forward to the opportunity to answer this very timely question,” Dr. Rimassa said. Dr. Rimassa noted that even as clergy sexual abuse is making headlines, congregations are looking for their religious leaders to help people of all ages become comfortable with their own sexuality. His presentation will help attendees better understand the moral and ethical considerations of their sexuality, and how it affects their spiritual life. “ Like it or not, sex is a part of God’s Plan,” Dr. Rimassa said. “If there is ever to be a smooth blend of sexuality and religion, those who are in religious formation right now need to be educated in all areas of human sexuality — and trained to turn-key that education within their future ministries. In addition, our current religious leaders, most of whom have not had any formal human sexuality education, need to be given that opportunity. For more information, visit www.ciweb.org or call Dr. Rimassa at (610) 995-0341.