October 22, 2004

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina - The Evangelical Methodist Church of Argentina (IEMA) said it agrees with a Project that parliament is debating in the autonomous city of Buenos Aires to introduce a sexual education course in schools in the capital.

In an Open Letter, published last Thursday the IEMA said "We consider that there is a need for an education where the human being, in all its integrity is at the center." The declaration was signed by Pastor Nelly Ritchie, bishop of the IEMA.

The position of the Methodist differs from the one expressed last week by the Christian Alliance Federation of Evangelical Churches in the Republic of Argentina (FACIERA) who are opposed to the creation of this course, alleging that the sexual education of children should take place within each family, based on their beliefs, without State interference.

FACIERA maintains that this course will teach people that the behavior of homosexuals and lesbians is normal and that Christian schools will be obligated to impart this teaching because it will be law.

The IEMA recalls that Evangelical Churches have been pioneers in Latin America "in the struggle for an open, free and public education" and characterized the ignorance, superstitions and vices as enemies to be defeated.

"Many of our missions took schools to places were the State did not reach, in an attitude of humble service and fully respecting everyone's beliefs" it emphasized.

According to the declaration, Methodists did not shy away from a primary, free obligatory and lay education. Rather it promoted a non confessional education that would illuminate awareness. From faith we were going to take responsibility in our Churches and in the family of believers, complementing and enriching the school's education, it said.

Faithful to this spirit "we support the possibility that sexual education is included in Argentine schools as a space for information and clarification.creating an opportunity to develop attitudes and behaviors of healthy life together, and as one more exercise of understanding and respect for differences."

We are sure that from our identity of faith we can contribute elements and values for a rich, positive and purposeful discussion, about sexual education in our schools, stated the IEMA.

In this spirit we place ourselves at the disposition of all our Evangelical brothers and sisters in the first place and all our people to continue collaborating in citizen and educational processes with full transparency, for a better life together, concluded the Methodist statement.

ALC News Service