Mind the Gap? Perceptions and Realities of Sexualities Education for Ordinands

Abstract

This article reports the findings of a small-scale qualitative research project which sought to discover how sexualities education was delivered in Anglican Theological Education Institutions in the UK. With a background of cultural and ecclesial change, as well as the adoption of a single university to validate the majority of theological education courses, the authors build on work done previously to determine the presence of gaps or dissonances between policy and practice. Analysis of on-line questionnaires and semi-structured interviews suggests continuing contestations around sexualities, and diverse opinion even within the same institution. By exploring data within a postmodern methodological framework under the headings of formal education, informal education and the discernment process, we note more congruence than previously within Colleges and Courses, but a diversity of experiences in different dioceses. We recognize the challenges of theological education in a disputed environment, and recommend some changes to the selection process.