Zimbabwe churches turn to sex education

SEX used to be a sacred subject among Christians but some churches have turned a new leaf as they now openly discuss it without restraint.

A survey conducted by B-Metro revealed that churches believe discussion of sex helps in lessening the escalating cases of divorce.

A pastor with Living Waters International, Ephraim Moyo, said sex education has helped in highlighting the importance of a healthy life style.

"We group members of the church in their relevant fellowships such as youths, young adults, young couples and old couples. A message would be tailor-made to suit the needs of the fellowships.

"Furthermore, it has helped congregants in making sound decisions regarding their sexual life style. The information that we teach them helps them to be equipped on matters of reproductive health."

Mhlanga said churches were known to propagate values that inculcate a thinking that a woman is a subject to a man.

" We are now demystifying that culture stating that a woman has no say in matters of sex. Some people thought that when one contracts HIV then that becomes a death sentence. That is not true because one can live for a longer life. Those who have attended such a session have developed a positive attitude towards life."

He said now parents are able to cope with each other when one of them contracts HIV or when they discover that their child has contracted HIV.

Co-founder of Harvest House International Sarah Nyathi said sex education has helped to keep marriages intact and in restoration of marriages.

"At our church we do not discuss sex matters at public focus but we discuss that on a one to one basis so as to keep the information as confidential as possible. This has helped in restoring marriages that were on the verge of collapse.

"Latest statistics from the maintenance court in Bulawayo indicate that 1584 women sued their lovers for maintenance between January and June this year compared to 1211 compared to the same period in 2013. The figures at hand point out that the sanctity of marriage is under threat. Congregants are not spared in this. So sex education has come in handy in trying to reduce divorce cases and in strengthening marriage unions," said Nyathi.