Give Me Sensible Reasons to Believe

The Church's teaching on sex... what's that all about then?


At a time where sex is everywhere, the teaching of the Catholic Church on the matter can seem anything from out of touch to down-right ridiculous. A group of young people who've struggled with the same decisions we all face on how to live our sexuality in a culture that tells us that, "anything goes" have put together a day's conference in February...

Do you…


Want sensible answers to real life problems?

Think the Catholic Church's teaching about sex is stupid and wildly outdated?

Convinced nobody in their right mind actually practices what the Church teaches?

Considering becoming a Catholic but this area of life appears to be an obstacle?

Stuck in a relationship that is going nowhere or somehow just lost your way?

Are you a non-Catholic asking why do Catholics say "that"?

Feeling unprepared despite a Catholic upbringing for modern day sexual moral dilemmas?

A young parent or teacher looking for a method to communicate the good news about sex?

If so, this conference is for you…

This Conference Will...

• Have a practical focus on the most challenging aspects of the Church's teaching that confront young people
• Have straightforward explanations -no previous knowledge assumed
• Answer difficult questions -your opportunity to ask 'why?'
• Explore how all of this teaching about sex and relationships ties in with the God of infinite love
• Have a relaxed atmosphere so you can spend the day how you choose: join in and have your say, or sit back and remain anonymous
• Include down-to-earth communicators and no complex religious language
• Feature confident young Catholics sharing their sensible reasons for saying yes to the teaching of Jesus Christ and the Church He founded

Topics to be Explored

Sex Before Marriage
• OK, maybe sleeping around isn't good, but is all sex before marriage wrong?
• The language of sex – what should sex 'say'?

Living Together
• Surely it's sensible to try it out first?!
• What's so special about marriage anyway?
• Divorce seems so common...

Physical Relationships
• Is it possible to fancy each other and not get too physical?
• How far is too far?
• It's about love not lust

Abortion
• Blob of jelly or unborn child?!
• How abortion hurts women
• All human beings have infinite value

Contraception
• What's the big deal with contraception?
• Isn't it the lesser of two evils?
• Natural Family Planning: What is it? Does it work?

Homosexuality
• Isn't sexual preference a private issue? Why does it matter?
• If two people love each other, isn't that all that counts?
• Are condoms OK in HIV prevention?

The speakers are all young committed Catholics who are living in the real world. These issues are a part of their lives as they are of yours.

'The Church's teaching is a goldmine; getting into it has radically changed how I experience and appreciate my sexuality. I'm increasingly free, confident and really happy in being a woman.'
Emily Davis, Conference Speaker

'We both feel that having an understanding of and living by the Church's teaching on sex and marriage has blessed us beyond measure.
Our marriage and our future are continually being shaped and enriched through choosing to live in accordance with these truths.'
Cassie and Tom Hall, Conference Speakers

When & Where?

Saturday 24th February 2007

Westminster Cathedral Hall
Ambrosden Avenue
London SW1P 1QH

5 minutes walk from Victoria Tube and Railway Station, 10 minutes from Victoria Coach Station

The Conference costs just £5 which includes lunch and refreshments. To register please send the form available online here (pdf file) to the address given, or contact Dr Charlie O'Donnell on 020 8491 6510 (evenings only) or charles dot odonnell300 at ntlworld dot com with any questions.