Physical Privacy & Sexuality Policy

I. PURPOSE

In light of Peniel Bible Conference’s statement of faith, [statement on marriage, gender and sexuality], our camper code of conduct, rules and regulations, and in recognition of personal physical privacy rights and the need to ensure individual safety and maintain biblical modesty, this policy is enacted to advise members of the Peniel’s community of their duties with regard to use of restrooms, bathhouse, showers, and any other camp facilities where individuals may be undressed in the presence of others.

II. DEFINITIONS

“Sex” means the biological condition of being male or female as determined at birth.

“Member of the Peniel community” means any Peniel employee, volunteer, camper, retreat guest, parent, or visitor.

III. SINCERELY-HELD RELIGIOUS BELIEF ON SEXUALITY

Peniel’s sincerely-held religious belief is that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as either male or female, and that these two distinct, complementary sexes together reflect the image and nature of God (Gen. 1:26-27). Rejection of one’s sex is a rejection of the image of God within that person. (Peniel’s Marriage and Sexuality Statement and full Statement of Faith can be viewed on our website.)

IV. POLICY

Notwithstanding any other policy, Peniel’s restrooms, bathhouse and showers designated for one sex shall only be used by members of that sex.

In any other camp facilities or settings where members of the camp community may be undressed in the presence of others, Peniel shall provide separate, private areas designated for use by members of the camp community based on their sex.

Peniel recognizes there may be instances where members of the camp community experience disparity between their sex and their feelings about their sex. This disparity can motivate them to act in ways contrary to God’s plan for their lives. Peniel encourages members of the camp community who are struggling with their sexual identity to seek help from their pastor and other trained professionals who might best assist them in clarifying and defining their sexual identity in accordance with God’s Word.

Peniel will at all times interact with members of the camp community according to their sex. A member of the camp community who wishes to express a gender other than his or her sex is understood to be rejecting the truth and the image of God within that person. Biblical Christianity requires the body of Christ to compassionately dwell in the truth and assist those we love in doing the same (Eph. 4:15).

To preserve the function and integrity of Peniel and to provide a biblical role model to members of the camp community and the community-at-large, it is imperative that all members of the camp community agree to abide by this policy.

V. POSTING

Access to this policy shall be provided to all camp employees, long term volunteers, leadership staff, campers and retreat guests via our code of conduct documents. This policy will be available to view on our website with links in our guest booking agreements, in the camper registration process, and in the volunteer application process, and in our staff /counselor training process.