A social ethical analysis of the United-Church-of-Canada's historical approach to human sexuality

This article provides a feminist ethical analysis of the United Church of C anada's approach to sexuality between the Church's formation in 1925 and 19 80. An examination of this period in the Church's history is essential to a n adequate understanding of the development of its current approach to sexu ality. Two paradigm shifts can be observed from this analysis. First, the C hurch's understanding of the purpose of human sexuality has moved from the conviction that such expressions must be limited to procreation and the str engthening of the union of heterosexual married couples, to the belief that intimate expressions of human sexuality have intrinsic value within marria ge. Second, the understanding of human sexuality has been transformed from a primarily act-centered ethic (rules related to specific actions) to a pri marily relational ethic (discernment based on the entire complex of inter-h uman relationships).