ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the discussion of young people in the context of the Church and its teaching on sexuality a somewhat complicated and negative affair. It begins with some of the "positives". Firstly, for many young people the Church remains an important source of authority. Secondly, many young people listen with interest to much of what the Church has to say on moral and social issues. Thirdly, a good number of young people are daily employed in furthering the mission and teaching of the Church through their friendships, and also through more institutionally focused involvement in teaching, chaplaincy, pastoral care and missionary work, to mention a few of a growing number of areas of involvement in the life of the Church. The chapter suggests that there is a real danger inherent in the socialisation of young people in the methods of splitting experience and spirituality, the creating and splitting of the public and private self.
