The Education Service hosts gender and faith event to support schools

^{Source: Diocese of Nottingham}

The Diocesan Education Service recently organised a Gender and Faith Event, to support teachers and other school staff, with accompanying young people who have questions around gender.

On Thursday April 23rd, Dr Julia Sadusky (who lives in the United States) spoke at the Diocesan Centre in Mackworth and discussed principles for accompanying young people at the intersection of questions around identity and spirituality.

Dr Sadusky spoke about how there were different ways of engaging with people who are questioning gender identity. which include either becoming a cultural warrior; a cultural capitulator or a cultural ambassador.

Sadusky, who has researched and written extensively on sexuality and gender from a Catholic perspective, explained that the cultural warrior response which leans toward lecturing the individual, risks alienating them from the faith.

Meanwhile, the Cultural Capitulator, is often silent and apathetic and they fail to give a Christian witness when presented with difficult questions and buy into the cultural narrative, rather than the truly Christian response.

Sadusky, explained that by being, instead, Cultural Ambassadors, who strive to form ourselves in being Christ-like, a constructive dialogue can take place, without alienating young people from their faith.

Commenting on the day, Peter Giorgio, Director of Education for the Diocese of Nottingham said: “Dr Sadusky is a unique voice in the discussion around gender and identity. She offers a perspective which balances accompaniment with discipleship; an approach which promotes compassion without compromising on truth. I thoroughly recommend her writings and reflections to anyone who is trying to navigate these difficult conversations with family and friends.”