Since 2020, it has been mandatory to teach primary school children about the key building blocks of healthy relationships. Secondary school pupils must be taught 'facts and the law about sex, sexuality, sexual health and gender identity in an age-appropriate and inclusive way.' The content of this resource refers specifically to England. Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales have similar legislation and guidelines for schools.
Addressing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in March 2023, Miriam Cates MP warned: ‘Graphic lessons on oral sex, how to choke your partner safely and 72 genders—this is what passes for relationships and sex education in British schools. Across the country, Children are being subjected to lessons that are age-inappropriate, extreme, sexualising, and inaccurate, often using resources from unregulated organisations that are actively campaigning to undermine parents. This is not a victory for equality, it is a catastrophe for childhood.’
1. Human Relationships — Biblical Truth
"In the image of God he created them; male and female. God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it…That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh." Genesis 1:27-28, 2:24 (NIV)
Creator God, we intercede that Your design for sexual union to be exclusively within lifelong marriage between a man and woman will begin once more to be acknowledged in our culture as the best way to raise families and benefit society. May this be reflected in RSE in schools. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
2. Educating children
"My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them, for they will refresh your soul… They keep you safe on your way, and your feet will not stumble. You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly." Proverbs 3:21-24 (NLT)
Heavenly Father, we pray that teachers, governors and parents in every school will approve a balanced RSE curriculum appropriate for each age group to teach children important biological facts, help them to understand and build healthy relationships and equip them to be protected from online and other harm. In Your mercy. Amen.
3. Guiding principles for RSE
"Wisdom is enshrined in an understanding heart; wisdom is not found among fools. Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people." Proverbs 14:33-34 (NLT)
Father, we pray for clearer government guidance on RSE to prevent gender ideology from being taught as fact and protect children from inappropriate and biased content that erodes their childhood innocence. Please grant wisdom and opportunity to those who have influence in education politics to uphold Your desire for truth and human wellbeing. In Christ’s name. Amen.
4. Immoral Ideologies
"Jesus said, 'If anyone causes one of these little ones – those who believe in me – to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung round their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.'" Matthew 18:6 (NIV)
God of truth and righteousness, grant courage to pupils, parents and staff protesting about RSE lessons that include blatant propaganda promoting harmful sexual behaviour, challenging children’s gender identity and seeking to silence those who reject these ideologies. We pray that this will be brought to an end. In Your mercy. Amen.
5. Government Policy
"Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Saviour God wants us to live." 1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)
Lord, we pray that Education Secretary Gillian Keegan MP, Damian Hinds the Schools Minister, and those with similar responsibilities in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales will act wisely to ensure RSE is accurate, factual, appropriate and supportive of children and their parents. Help them to prevent unsuitable material and biased practitioners being used in schools. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.
6. Teaching about pornography
"Dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honourable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." Philippians 4:8 (NLT)
Loving God, please grant wisdom and courage to teachers and others as they explain to young people the harmful impact that pornography can have on their lives. We pray that RSE lessons about this will encourage them to make good decisions and seek help if they are struggling with this issue. In Your mercy. Amen.
7. Parents’ rights
"These words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV)
Father, thank You that the Department for Education has confirmed parents’ rights to examine the curriculum and materials used in SRE, withdraw them from sex education lessons at Primary level, and also from Secondary school sex education that is additional to content in the science curriculum. We pray that parents will continue to be included in such important issues. In Jesus’ name. Amen.