BREAK THE CHAINS OF OPPRESION AND THE YOKE OF ...

EXPLoita Tion
gal prosecution of criminality on the required scale. Beyond this, the state also
has duties of public order, for example in the fields of health control and the supporting
of therapeutic and social offers of assistance such as for example the
churches and other social institutions make available.
The transitions between voluntary and forced prostitution are not sharply defined.
So society’s awareness for its common responsibility must be sharpened.
Those who trivialise the problematic of the sex business and lend it the appearance
of “normality” close their eyes in the end to the crimes which force women
and children into sex. The scandal of the misuse and degradation of people, yes,
even of children, as it shows itself in the crimes of human trafficking and sexual
exploitation must be clearly named.
Sexual Education and Mediation of Values
The Bible and Christian ethics aim above all for human dignity and the achievement
of a loving relationship. That is why sex education is important which
starts with human dignity and mediates sexuality as an integral element of a loving,
holistic relationship in mutual respect and responsibility. It is a matter of a
sexuality which lives out pleasure in one’s own body and that of the other and includes
at the same time responsibility for each other.
The aim must also include overcoming deceptive images of women and men
which advance the commercialisation of sexuality and with it the spread of
prostitution. That is why the corresponding sex education must necessarily include
boys in particular. They in particular need the model of a male sexuality
which is shaped by respect and a personal relationship rather than exclusively
by performance, �success �and quick � satisfaction. �Living � such a fulfilled and responsible
sexuality presupposes a clear rejection of violence and offers a pledge
for the protection of spiritual and physical integrity. It is urgently necessary to
begin giving appropriate attention to this neglected theme of sexuality and
strengthening the dignity of every human, whether child, woman or man, as
well as protecting the right of every person to be psychologically and physically
unharmed.
Our churches emphasise their responsibility for all the offers of help which are
necessary for prevention and offer help for the needs of those affected. They are
thankful for all initiatives in this area and offer their support.
Opportunities for the Church to Act
One of the churches’ chief tasks is to help in situations of pressure and need and
to step in fearlessly where wrong is being committed. The churches have done
and do this with the voluntary help of their members as well as their professional
social and diaconal work.
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