Sexuality in persons with intellectual disabilities: a challenge to Church morality

Abstract

ABSTRACT In this article we reflect on how appropriate the Church’s sexual morality is in the specific context of persons with intellectual disabilities. Traditional Church morality leaves few possibilities, while contemporary prevailing morality does. Pope Francis brings renewal by applying pastoral mercy and accepting people with intellectual disabilities, even if their sexual behaviour continues to be judged as sinful. This can come across as condescending. Therefore, we are looking for a way to revise Christian sexual ethics. We adopt an open and respectful attitude towards the sexual needs and experiences of persons with intellectual disabilities. To this end, we engage in an ethical dialogue with them and other persons involved. We build an ethical dynamic of safeguarding minimum boundaries and fostering their responsibility in dialogue. Therefore, we develop seven criteria of responsibility as a moral compass to assess sexual behaviour.