Statement of Faith
Christian faith underpins SACRED Intimacy and is intrinsically in its essence and ideas. At the same time, SACRED Intimacy recognises that the Christian faith is diverse in its beliefs. SACRED Intimacy does not seek to offer or impose a strong theological stance on many issues of faith and sexuality. However, recognising faith as intrinsic, the Statement of Faith outlines the core beliefs that we do strongly hold at SACRED Intimacy.
Ultimate Love
God is a radically, excessively, loving Father, and that abundant, expansive love is fully expressed and realised through Jesus. The Holy Spirit is active and at work, allowing us to experience a relationship with God and His transformational love daily.
The Image of God
Humans are created in the Image of God, and have inherent worth, designed to reflect the love and deep communion of God. The Image of God is intrinsic to every human being across the diverse experiences and expressions of sexuality, lifespan, relationship status, sexual orientation or gender identity.
Out of reflecting this deep love for God, for the self, and for the other, we are called to treat ourselves and each other with dignity and respect.
Sacred Sexuality
God created and designed sexuality. Sexuality is part of the Image of God. Acknowledging that the expression of sexuality may differ across life-stage and relationship context; sexuality is an incredible gift that can be fully joyful for each person, whether they are single, dating, or in a marriage relationship.
Understanding our God-given bodies and sexuality is a spiritual, moral, and practical good.
Mind, Body, Soul Embodiment
God designed the mind, body, and soul, and these collectively reflect His goodness. It is within His design for humans to live fully in the mind, body, and soul, allowing for the full communion of these parts, recognising each have incredible value. Our physical bodies are an essential, holy part of this design.
Healing and Restoration
We are on a relational journey with God, to redeem, restore, and reflect the Image of God within us, and to express sexuality in God-designed ways. These efforts do not come from our own strength, a place of condemnation, or shame, but rather from a deep sense of God’s love and grace, a vision of His goodness, and a desire to honour him. In God’s love and grace there is space for our mistakes, errors, trauma, hurts, forgiveness, and slow, non-linear healing, repair, restoration and growth.
Freedom of Choice and Responsibility
We each have personal and ultimate responsibility over our personhood, our sexuality, and how we express these. God has gifted us this right and freedom, whether we are acting in alignment with His heart for us or not. This reflects God’s deep love for us, that He allows us free choice. With freedom of choice comes responsibility, and we make our best efforts to be responsible for our chosen actions and their consequences.
Just as God has given us this freedom, we extend this freedom to others and respect everyone’s right and responsibility to make free choices. When we extend this freedom to others, it reflects the love that God has called us to, whether we agree with their actions or not.
Faith and Science Can be in Harmony
SACRED Intimacy believes that God gifted us critical minds and reasoning and that science is an expression of this gift. While Scripture allows us to discover God’s divine purpose for creation, science allows us to understand the “how”. Science can offer us practical tools and insights into how we can be responsible stewards of God’s gifts to us. Evidence-based sexual literacy empowers body stewardship, health, prevents harm, and fosters relational flourishing.
Grace, Grace, and More Grace
More grace, less shame. For past, present, and future mistakes, errors, hurts, choices, traumas, God meets us in these places with endless grace. When God calls us to transformation, it is out of His grace; His desire for us to enjoy His goodness, and a life that reflects this deep fulfilment. Even if we are unwilling, grace. He will never beat us into submission, shame or condemn us.
Inclusion and Christlike Love
SACRED Intimacy stands firmly against any teaching or culture that shames, dehumanizes, or rejects individuals based on their sexuality. Following the example of Jesus, who consistently drew marginalised, shunned, and bruised people into love, dignity, and grace we commit to being a refuge of safety and healing for any Christians who are a member of the LGBTQAI+ community.
Every individual is created in the Image of God regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Every Christian individual is called to wrestle with their faith and expression of sexuality, to honour God as best they can. Every individual is worthy of the dignity, and a safe and loving space and relationship to do this journeying.
Healthy Faith Communities
Healthy Faith Communities play a key role in supporting sexual wellbeing. Faith communities have a responsibility to create safe, transparent, restorative spaces, free of shame and stigma, and the commitment to promote sexual justice for all.
