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Catholic Church Teachings on Chastity: Understanding Moral Formation Among Youth in Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya

Robai Nasike Webo Edith Simiyu Waithanji Mutiti

Subject area: Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities  ·  Area of research: Religion

Abstract

This study examined the Catholic Church's teachings on chastity among youth in Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya, against rising teenage pregnancy rates and changing social norms. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 421 respondents including priests, catechists, parents, and youth through questionnaires, interviews, and focus groups. Findings reveal that the Church emphasizes chastity as foundational for building strong relationships, preserving emotional and spiritual well-being, and honoring God's will. Youth are introduced to chastity teachings during Confirmation, through sermons, retreats, and youth programs. The Church addresses sexual immorality through counseling, support groups, community engagement, and peer mentorship. The study recommends adopting interactive approaches, leveraging technology, strengthening parental involvement, and collaborating with schools to enhance chastity education effectiveness.

Keywords

Catholic Church, chastity, youth moral formation, sexual morality

References

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[4] Catechism of the Catholic Church. (1992). Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana.

[5] Ibe, J. C. (2023). Virginity and sexual purity: The blessed virgin Mary as a model of decency for Nigerian youths. AKU: An African Journal of Contemporary Research, 4(1), 78-92.

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[8] Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. (2021). 2019 Kenya population and housing census. Government Printer.

[9] Magno, L., Marinho, L. F. B., Zucchi, E. M., et al. (2023). School-based sexual and reproductive health education for young people from low-income neighbourhoods in Northeastern Brazil. Sex Education, 23(4), 409-424.

[10] Marcelo, R. (2021). Church hierarchy and sexuality education: Tensions and opportunities. Religious Education Review, 38(2), 156-172.

[11] NCPD (National Council for Population Development). (2020). Kenya teenage pregnancy report. Government Printer.

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[15] Vanderbeke, M. (2023). My mom gave me a book: A critical review of evangelical literature about puberty, sexuality, and gender roles. Bowling Green State University Research Journal, 28(4), 203-225.

How to cite this paper

Robai Nasike Webo, Edith Simiyu, Waithanji Mutiti "Catholic Church Teachings on Chastity: Understanding Moral Formation Among Youth in Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 1 2025 Page 449-453
Robai Nasike Webo, Edith Simiyu, Waithanji Mutiti "Catholic Church Teachings on Chastity: Understanding Moral Formation Among Youth in Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 9, no. 1, Jul. 2025
Robai Nasike Webo, Edith Simiyu, Waithanji Mutiti (2025). Catholic Church Teachings on Chastity: Understanding Moral Formation Among Youth in Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya. Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(1).
Robai Nasike Webo, Edith Simiyu, Waithanji Mutiti "Catholic Church Teachings on Chastity: Understanding Moral Formation Among Youth in Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 9, no. 1, Jul. 2025.
@article{1709623,
      author = {Robai Nasike Webo, Edith Simiyu, Waithanji Mutiti},
      title = {Catholic Church Teachings on Chastity: Understanding Moral Formation Among Youth in Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2025},
      volume = {9},
      number = {1},
      pages = {449-453},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1709623.pdf},
      abstract = {This study examined the Catholic Church's teachings on chastity among youth in Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya, against rising teenage pregnancy rates and changing social norms. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 421 respondents including priests, catechists, parents, and youth through questionnaires, interviews, and focus groups. Findings reveal that the Church emphasizes chastity as foundational for building strong relationships, preserving emotional and spiritual well-being, and honoring God's will. Youth are introduced to chastity teachings during Confirmation, through sermons, retreats, and youth programs. The Church addresses sexual immorality through counseling, support groups, community engagement, and peer mentorship. The study recommends adopting interactive approaches, leveraging technology, strengthening parental involvement, and collaborating with schools to enhance chastity education effectiveness.},
      keywords = {Catholic Church, chastity, youth moral formation, sexual morality},
      month = {July},
  }