Sex and sexuality permeate the fabric of our modern world -- not only is it constant rotation on MTV and BET, but we talk about it everywhere -- chat rooms, lunchrooms, boardrooms, in cozy corners with our girlfriends, even barbershop chairs with our boys.

Come Sunday morning, though, there is a deafening silence around sex, for a few hours at least. Whether deemed inappropriate or simply not relevant, the question must be asked, if Jesus the Christ, the most significant figure in Christianity, was conceived through an immaculate conception, then how and where does sex fit into church?

Asking may be blasphemous to some, but to others, long overdue, especially given how sex affects us. The black church historically has been a political, social and economic center for the black community, yet sex and sexuality have remained taboo within its confines.

In recent years, however, there has been a shift. We now stand at an interesting historical moment where sexual scandals (sometimes inside the church itself), the gay rights movement, a barrage of media coverage of "the DL" (Down Low) and the skyrocketing rates of HIV and AIDS in the black community, have all intersected and forced many churches to not only focus on the spiritual bodies of believers but the flesh as well.

"I think that the last five years, sexuality the discourse has become more normal within the black church context," notes Rev. Eboni K. Marshall, youth minister at the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem. "In terms of the rising AIDS rates in our community, homosexuality, and teenage pregnancy, we are discussing it more and trying to make the Gospel relevant to issues which are rampant in our community."

Marshall, a minister in her mid-20s, may represent a new way of thinking in the black church, though she shies away from terms such as revolutionary. With the blessing of long-time Abyssinian pastor Rev. Calvin O. Butts, Rev. Marshall last year introduced a program on sex and sexuality for teens in the congregation covering everything from emotions surrounding sex to relationships, teenage pregnancy, contraception, abstinence and "a lot of discussion around choices."

"In light of my willingness and the pastor's willingness to broach the issue, the young people are comfortable speaking to me," Rev. Marshall says. Not only did the course open the youth of her church up to her, but she says that all the feedback was positive. "And they know that Jesus was not going to strike anyone down for talking about sex," she chuckles.

Yet, for all the positive aspects some see in discussion of sex and sexuality in the church, there are as many stories of sexual scandal within its hallowed walls. Apparently, sex combined with the power of the pulpit can be a lethal combination.

In the last three years, the Boston archdiocese of the Catholic Church alone has paid out over $150 million dollars in legal settlements and costs related to sex abuse by its clergy. In terms of the black church specifically, one of the most prominent cases occurred in 1997, when the Rev. Henry J. Lyons, head of the National Baptist Convention USA, clumsily fell from grace after his wife set fire to the $700,000 home he bought with his mistress. After being convicted of racketeering and grand theft, Lyons spent almost five years in prison.