The document discusses different Christian views on relationships and sexuality. It covers views on divorce between the Roman Catholic and Church of England. It also discusses views on contraception between the churches. Finally, it discusses Christian beliefs around sex only being within marriage and some taking a vow of celibacy.

1. Human Relationships Revision
Divorce
The Roman Catholic Church does not The Church of England says that divorce is
allow divorce. They believe is a
acceptable and the divorced people can
sacrament (God has made the couple
remarry in church if they find a priest who is
one flesh, and this cannot be undone.)
However, a marriage can be annulled (it willing to marry them.
was not a true marriage.) This can
happen if:
Either partner did not give Jesus talked about divorce – he was anti-divorce but pro-forgiveness.
consent. Matthew 5:31-=32 Jesus says that divorce is acceptable to someone
The couple did not have sex. who partner has be unfaithful.
John 8:1-11 Jesus forgives a woman caught in the act of adultery.
Sexual relationships
Christians believe that sex should not be Some Christians
treated casually and they are urged to such as Roman
“Your body is a temple
keep sex within a marriage. Promiscuity Catholic priests
of the Holy Spirit”
is seen as dishonouring your body. take a vow of
celibacy.
Contraception
The Roman Catholic “Be fruitful and However, some Roman Catholics disagree with this view
Church believes that increase in number” due to concern about diseases such as AIDS.
preventing conception Genesis
is wrong, as they have a
responsibility to have The Church of England allows contraception,
children. Although they Roman Catholics are particularly
because it allows parents to plan their family in
do allow natural against the morning after pill, as
a responsible way.
methods such as the this can result in getting rid of
rhythm method. fertilised egg.
Have a go at the
discuss question
Glossary below. Remember
Adultery – A married person having sex with another person
to include an
Celibacy – Never having sex
Civil partnership – same sex marriage introduction, your
Cohabitation – Living together as husband and wife without opinion and two
being married. other opinions,
Contraception – Anything that stops conception including that of a
Divorce – Formal ending of a marriage Christian
Marriage – The legal joining of a man and woman as husband
and wife. “Marriage is important”
Procreation – Having children “Civil partnership shouldn’t be allowed”
Promiscuity – Having many sexual partners “Getting a divorce is better than living an
Sacrament – A ceremony by which Christians believe God acts unhappy marriage”
as a person. “Divorced people should never be allowed
to remarry”
“Religious people should keep sex within
marriage”