Listening to young married couples on matters of sexuality in marriage

Abstract

The results from the survey conducted prior to the Extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the Family have shown that the Church members' understanding of certain teachings is not entirely along the same lines as those of the Church. The aim of the study was to explore and contrast the daily experiences of married couples with the church teachings specifically on issues of sexuality. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 3 couples who were married during these past 5 years. This work focused on two aspects. The first was a brief analysis of the theological development and of the Church's teachings on sexuality. The other was an in depth analysis and discussion of the interviews which were then contrasted with the former. The methodology used for the retrieving and the analysis of the interviews was the 'Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis'. From the interviews it emerged that although the couples chosen were practising Catholics, a divergence exists between their experience of sexuality and the Church teachings. These findings mirror very closely the results of the mentioned survey. The study makes a number of recommendations for a more pertinent pastoral approach to family ministry.