Sacred Choices and Abortion: 10 New Things to Think About
A copy of this DVD (also available for sale) was mailed out in October to all Unitarian Universalist (UU) congregations with the following letter. This is a very powerful discussion piece to facilitate inter-religious and inter-generational dialogue. Discussion guides in both English and Spanish are posted below.
October
XX, 2005
Dear Friend,
How can Unitarians Universalists be an
effective, religious voice for keeping abortion safe and legal? How can we
change the public’s understanding of what religious groups believe about
abortion?
Through the generosity of the David and Lucile Packard
Foundation we have enclosed the new film Sacred Choices and Abortion: Ten New
Things to Think About. This film breaks open the spiritual and religious
questions surrounding the abortion debate. In addition to the Unitarian
Universalist Association, the Episcopal, Presbyterian, United Church of Christ,
and United Methodist churches, as well as the Reform Jewish movement, all
support a women¹s right to make decisions about whether to bear a child. There
is even a strong pro-choice tradition in Roman Catholicism. According to the
Guttmacher Institute 33% of all American women have had or will have an
abortion. Are these the women in our faith communities? Do they know where we
stand? Do we offer them support? Do we advocate for abortion rights? There is no
other issue in American politics that is so personal, so closeted, yet has such
a profound impact on our electoral and legislative politics. It is time to take
the issue out of our religious closet.
In particular, the power of the
religious right, combined with the tendency of pro-choice groups to use only
secular language, has left a void in the public consciousness where a liberal
religious perspective ought to be. The urgent need for Unitarian Universalists
and other people of faith to fill this void is all the more urgent now that the
balance on the Supreme Court has changed. Quite simply, we cannot rely on the
courts to protect reproductive freedom. We must focus more intently—and
strategically—on changing public opinion so that lawmakers don’t continue to
chip away at Roe.
This film is an excellent way to get the conversation
started—enclosed are some specific suggestions on how to use it. It comes at a
great time, given the 2005 General Assembly’s selection of “Moral Values for a
Pluralist Society” as the new Study/Action Issue. The recently-released Resource Guide lists
many resources that can help your congregation find its voice.
Together,
we can offer the public—and elected officials—a different religious perspective
on abortion and reproductive freedom, and ensure that women have safe choices to
make regarding their reproductive lives.
In Peace,
J
Clements, Outreach Organizer
Sacred Choices and Abortion: Ten New Things to
Think About
The Film Farm: production and outreach for independent media. thefilmfarm @ earthlink.net, (509)
747-1489
Robert C. Keithan, Director
Unitarian Universalist
Association of Congregations
Washington Office for Advocacy
rkeithan @ uua.org; (202) 296-4672 x15
Simple ways to use Sacred Choices:
- Screen the film for women and men who have been intimately touched by abortion.
- Screen the film for small groups to enable an open discussion of varying viewpoints.
-
Invite members of another local congregation, perhaps more conservative, to come
and watch the film with you.
- Encourage those that are undecided to come
and view the film, with discussion afterwards.
- Use the film to educate and inspire members of your counseling and pastoral teams so that they may feel more comfortable in counseling women about their abortions.
- Advocate that your women¹s, social justice, or human rights groups screen the film and chose an Action step.
- Show the film to a small group of local clergy from other denominations. Brainstorm how to talk about the issue to congregations and other clergy.
- Promote the film for use on Public TV access stations or local PBS affilitates.
Listed in our Discussion Guide there are many, many more
very specific suggestions on how to use this film.
Sacred Choices Discussion Guide
Decisiones Sagradas: Discusion y Guia de
Accion
As the Outreach organizer for Sacred Choices I would very much like to hear about how you used the film, what success you’ve had, and any ways you foresee using the film in the future. If permissible this information could be put on our web site for others to replicate and for inspiration for continuing efforts. Please feel free to contact me for any reason. I can be reached at 509-747-1489 (Pacific time zone) and at thefilmfarm @ earthlink.net. 509-747-1489 - J Clements
Last updated on Friday, April 18, 2008.
