For More Information:

Our Whole Lives (OWL) and Sexuality and Our Faith

Overview

what is our whole lives (OWL)?

OWL is a series of comprehensive sexuality education curriculum for Grades K-1, 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12. The curriculum is designed to provide age-appropriate information to participants and includes topics such as: human development, sexual health, sexual behavior, relationships, personal skills, and society and sexuality. The OWL program helps participants to clarify their values in regards to sexuality, create interpersonal relationships, and understand the various social and emotional aspects of sexuality.

For more information about OWL, click here (UCC information) or here (UUA information).
For information about the authors of OWL, click here.
For information about the history of sexuality education in the United Church of Christ, click here.

What is Sexuality and Our Faith?

Sexuality and Our Faith is the faith-based component of the OWL program. The OWL program is designed so that, if used alone, it would be appropriate in a secular, community setting. When used in conjunction with the Sexuality and Our Faith books, the curriculum is infused with spirituality. The Sexuality and Our Faith books help participants understand the connection between sexuality and religion or spirituality. They also help participants to use their religious values to determine their values in regards to sexuality and to understand the spiritual aspects of sexuality.

Sexuality and Our Faith books are designed for Grades K-1, 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12. Each book has a section for use in a United Church of Christ setting and a section for use in a Unitarian Universalist setting.
When referring to OWL, this website typically means to include both Our Whole Lives and Sexuality and Our Faith.
For information about the authors of Sexuality and Our Faith, click here.

How is OWL / Sexuality and Our Faith different?

Note: The following information is taken from pages 9-10 of the information packet Introducing Our Whole Lives: Sexuality and Our Faith Human Sexuality Education Programs for Children and Youth, United Board for Homeland Ministries and the Unitarian Universalist Association, unknown publication date.

Our Whole Lives / Sexuality and Our Faith provides programs for four age levels from K-1 to high school, rather than for one age level only.
Our Whole Lives / Sexuality and Our Faith explicitly integrates teachings, values and principles of the United Church of Christ
The program is designed for parent involvement and requires parental consent for children’s participation. All materials are available for review by parents and some are designed for a parent as teacher.
The program meets the guidelines for comprehensive sexuality education of the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States [SIECUS]. Through the Sexuality and Our Faith volumes and The Advocacy Manual for Sexuality Education, Health, and Justice, the program provides resources for comprehensive sexuality education advocacy in your congregation and community.

For information on comprehensive sexuality education, follow these links:

How is OWL / Sexuality and Our Faith religious?

Note: The following information is taken from page 9 of the information packet Introducing Our Whole Lives: Sexuality and Our Faith Human Sexuality Education Programs for Children and Youth, United Board for Homeland Ministries and the Unitarian Universalist Association, unknown publication date.

Our Whole Live / Sexuality and Our Faith is based on values and affirmations that are central to our faith concerning human sexuality and sexuality education. The program seeks to nurture religious community, spiritual depth, prophetic vision and action for justice. It helps participants clarify their own religious values and gain the skills and knowledge they need to live out those values. It promotes the worth and dignity of every participant and is both grounded in and intentionally expressive of our faith and faith tradition. Worship, prayer, scripture reading and Bible study are integral parts of the Sexuality and Our Faith materials.