Teach pupils the value of abstinence, says Church

THE Church of England is calling on schools to teach the importance of not having sex before marriage – as figures suggest the majority of those having Christian weddings do not wait.

Rev Nigel Genders, its chief education officer, said teachers should promote abstinence and celibacy as ‘positive life choices’ and that marriage must be the ‘context’ for sexual relationships.

According to official figures, about 60,000 couples had a Christian wedding in 2015. Of these, 81 per cent already lived together – suggesting many who consider themselves Christian see abstinence as optional.

It comes as the Government draws up new guidance on relationships and sex education, which has been compulsory in secondaries since last year. Ministers hope to include advice on modern issues such as sexting and online safety.