• Unmarried sexual intercourse and other forms of inappropriate sexual bonding . Because we believe it is God ’ s intention for our sexuality to be lived out in the covenantal union between one woman and one man , we believe that these practices often lead to the objectification of the other in a relationship . In all its forms , it also potentially harms our ability to enter into the beauty and holiness of Christian marriage with our whole selves .
• Sexual activity between people of the same sex . Because we believe that it is God ’ s intention for our sexuality to be lived out in the covenantal union between one woman and one man , we believe the practice of same-sex sexual intimacy is contrary to God ’ s will for human sexuality . While a person ’ s homosexual or bi-sexual attraction may have complex and differing origins , and the implication of this call to sexual purity is costly , we believe the grace of God is sufficient for such a calling . We recognize the shared responsibility of the body of Christ to be a welcoming , forgiving , and loving community where hospitality , encouragement , transformation , and accountability are available to all .
• Extra-marital sexual relations . Because we believe this behavior is a violation of the vows that we make before God and within the body of Christ , adultery is a selfish act , a family-destroying choice , and an offense to the God who has loved us purely and devotedly .
• Divorce . Because marriage is intended to be a life-long commitment , the fracturing of the covenant of marriage , whether initiated personally or by the choice of a spouse , falls short of God ’ s best intentions . The church must take care in preserving the marriage bond where wise and possible , and offering counsel and grace to those wounded by divorce .
• Practices such as polygamy or polyandry . Because we believe that the covenantal faithfulness of God is reflected in the monogamous commitment of husband and wife , these practices take away from the unique and exclusive fidelity intended in marriage . Sexual sin and brokenness are not only personal but pervades the systems and structures of the world .
Therefore , as the Church and school bear witness to the reality of the beauty and uniqueness of God ’ s holy purposes , we also believe the Church and school should refrain from and advocate against :
• Pornography in all its forms , which is desire gone awry . It is the objectification of people for selfish sexual gratification . This habit destroys our capacity to love unselfishly .
• Sexual violence in any form , including rape , sexual assault , sexual bullying , hateful speech , marital abuse , incest , sex trafficking , forced marriage , female genital mutilation , bestiality , sexual harassment , and the abuse of minors and other vulnerable populations . All people and systems that perpetrate sexual violence transgress the command to love and to protect our neighbor . The body of Christ should always be a place of justice , protection , and healing for those who are , who have been , and who continue to be affected by sexual violence . A minor is defined as any human being under the age of 18 , unless the age of majority is attained later under a state ’ s or country ’ s own domestic legislation .
Therefore , we affirm that :
• Where sin abounds , grace abounds all the more . Although the effects of sin are universal and holistic , the efficacy of grace is also universal and holistic . In Christ , through the Holy Spirit , we are renewed in the image of God . The old is gone and the new comes . Although the forming of our lives as a new creation may be a gradual process , God ’ s healing is effective in dealing with the brokenness of humanity in the areas of sexuality .
• The human body is the temple of the Holy Spirit . We affirm the need for our sexuality to be conformed to God ’ s will . Our bodies are not our own but have been bought with a price . Therefore , we are called to glorify God in our bodies through a life of yielded obedience .
• The people of God are marked by holy love . We affirm that , above all the virtues , the people of God are to clothe themselves with love . The people of God have always welcomed broken