Pastoral Response to Pornography



At theirNovember 2015 General Assembly, the U.S. bishops approved the formal statement "Create in Me a Clean Heart: A Pastoral Response to Pornography" with an almost unanimous vote.

Bishop Richard J. Malone of Buffalo, chairman of the Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth, which directed the statement's development, said: "My brother bishops' approval of this statement shows our collective concern for the widespread problem of pornography in our culture today. As the statement says, virtually everyone is affected by pornography in some way. So many people –including within the Church– are in need of Christ's abundant mercy and healing. My hope is that the statement can serve as a foundation and catalyst for increased pastoral attention to this challenge at the national and local level."

The full text of the statement: Create in Me a Clean Heart: A Pastoral Response to Pornography

"Create in Me a Clean Heart" will be made available in both English and Spanish. A print version is forthcoming. Please check back for further updates and additional resources.

News release: "Bishops Approve Formal Statement, 'Create In Me A Clean Heart: A Pastoral Response to Pornography'" (Nov. 17, 2015)

History: "Bishops to Vote on Formal Statement on Pornography at November General Assembly" (Oct. 30, 2015); "Bishops Call for Pastoral Statement on Pornography" (Nov. 12, 2013)

Other Resources Related to the Pastoral Response

Life Matters: Pornography and Our Call to Love



Pornography



Pornography as a challenge for marriage at For Your Marriage

Pornography's Effects on Marriage and the Hope of Recovery



The Internet and Pornography

Women and Online Pornography at For Your Marriage

Help for Men and Women Struggling with Pornography Use or Addiction at For Your Marriage

The Pornography Epidemic: A Catholic Approach book review at For Your Marriage

Overcoming Pornography Addiction: A Spiritual Solution book review at For Your Marriage



A Joint Statement on Pornography from the Synagogue Council of America and the NCCB (1993)

