[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][ultimate_ctation ctaction_background=”#623393″ text_font_style=”font-weight:bold;”]Sacredly Speaking:
God-Talk About Reproductive Freedom[/ultimate_ctation][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_single_image image=”35745″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][dt_fancy_title title=”New Language for Reproductive Freedom” title_size=”h4″ title_color=”custom” separator_style=”thick” separator_color=”accent” custom_title_color=”#623393″][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]Advocates for reproductive dignity are often either baited to debate anti-abortionists using conservative theological language and frameworks or are not well-versed in liberating God-language. Genuine change needed for justice cannot happen using the tools of oppressors. Sacredly Speaking helps justice advocates, guided by their faith and moral principles, to change the frameworks needed to realize reproductive freedom and dignity.[/vc_column_text][dt_quote font_size=”h4″ background=”fancy”]“For the master’s tools will never dismantle the master’s house. They may allow us temporarily to beat him at his own game, but they will never enable us to bring about genuine change.”
– Audre Lorde
[/dt_quote][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”37607″ img_size=”large” add_caption=”yes”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”37606″ img_size=”large” add_caption=”yes”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]Sacredly Speaking develops, curates and publishes resources from various faith traditions and moral teachings to equip spiritual leaders, political leaders and activists to be prophetic voices for reproductive freedom, justice, and liberation. To accomplish this, the Sacredly Speaking program:
[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”37608″ img_size=”large” add_caption=”yes”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”37609″ img_size=”large” add_caption=”yes”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][dt_fancy_title title=”Why Is Theology and God-Language Important for Reproductive Freedom?” title_size=”h4″ title_color=”custom” separator_style=”thick” separator_color=”accent” custom_title_color=”#623393″][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]U.S. culture is theologically-infused with an “insider-outsider” orientation that promotes the right of “insiders” to make judgments against “outsiders,” to heap guilt and shame upon certain bodies, and to implement supremacist strategies that limit the freedoms of others. Sacredly Speaking seeks to create resources that clear the smoke of this toxic air and foster a culture for equity of voices, theologies, and values.
Theology and God-language are critical to the reproductive freedom because many people have been socialized to accept toxic judgments of guilt and shame that impact them as they make reproductive decisions. RCRC is committed to helping people talk about the range of reproductive issues in ways that are life-affirming, God-affirming, and human-dignity-affirming – that is, without guilt and shame.
Because Christianity is being used as a weapon of reproductive and other oppressions, Sacredly Speaking addresses Christian God-talk and theological frameworks by incorporating the richness of various religious traditions.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”37610″ img_size=”large” add_caption=”yes”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”37612″ img_size=”large” add_caption=”yes”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”37613″ img_size=”large” add_caption=”yes”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][dt_quote font_size=”h4″ background=”fancy”]”To talk about these issues openly and honestly—that is life-affirming, God-affirming, and human-dignity-affirming. And that is the heart of what all religion is about.”
– Rabbi Jessica Kirschner
[/dt_quote][vc_empty_space height=”35px”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”1″ margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”0″ padding_top=”55″ padding_bottom=”55″ bg_repeat=”repeat” full_width_padding_left=”40″ full_width_padding_right=”40″ full_width_margin_top=”0″ full_width_margin_bottom=”0″ css=”.vc_custom_1477256289586{margin-bottom: 55px !important;}”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-12 vc_col-md-12 vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][dt_fancy_title title=”Sacredly Speaking Resources” title_size=”h4″ title_color=”custom” separator_style=”thick” separator_color=”accent” custom_title_color=”#623393″][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_tta_tour][vc_tta_section title=”Sacred Crossroads Interviews” tab_id=”1604003164471-01157828-2f86″][dt_fancy_title title=”Domestic Awareness Month” title_color=”accent”][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_raw_html]JTNDaWZyYW1lJTIwd2lkdGglM0QlMjI1NjAlMjIlMjBoZWlnaHQlM0QlMjIzMTUlMjIlMjBzcmMlM0QlMjJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRnd3dy55b3V0dWJlLmNvbSUyRmVtYmVkJTJGMS1uTmVzZ2dBVXclMjIlMjBmcmFtZWJvcmRlciUzRCUyMjAlMjIlMjBhbGxvdyUzRCUyMmFjY2VsZXJvbWV0ZXIlM0IlMjBhdXRvcGxheSUzQiUyMGNsaXBib2FyZC13cml0ZSUzQiUyMGVuY3J5cHRlZC1tZWRpYSUzQiUyMGd5cm9zY29wZSUzQiUyMHBpY3R1cmUtaW4tcGljdHVyZSUyMiUyMGFsbG93ZnVsbHNjcmVlbiUzRSUzQyUyRmlmcmFtZSUzRQ==[/vc_raw_html][vc_column_text]Episode 1: Rev. Dr. Traci C. West spotlights the intersections between domestic violence and racism, theology, and politics; religious concepts of sexuality and the body; and the importance of wholeness and community support.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_raw_html]JTNDaWZyYW1lJTIwd2lkdGglM0QlMjI1NjAlMjIlMjBoZWlnaHQlM0QlMjIzMTUlMjIlMjBzcmMlM0QlMjJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRnd3dy55b3V0dWJlLmNvbSUyRmVtYmVkJTJGZmwxOGxqM2w1RU0lMjIlMjBmcmFtZWJvcmRlciUzRCUyMjAlMjIlMjBhbGxvdyUzRCUyMmFjY2VsZXJvbWV0ZXIlM0IlMjBhdXRvcGxheSUzQiUyMGNsaXBib2FyZC13cml0ZSUzQiUyMGVuY3J5cHRlZC1tZWRpYSUzQiUyMGd5cm9zY29wZSUzQiUyMHBpY3R1cmUtaW4tcGljdHVyZSUyMiUyMGFsbG93ZnVsbHNjcmVlbiUzRSUzQyUyRmlmcmFtZSUzRQ==[/vc_raw_html][vc_column_text]Episode 2: Rev. Aaron Payson shares his experiences with domestic violence advocacy work, and discusses reproductive dignity, dominance and control, spiritual abuse, and the concept of God as a compassionate companion.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_raw_html]JTNDaWZyYW1lJTIwd2lkdGglM0QlMjI1NjAlMjIlMjBoZWlnaHQlM0QlMjIzMTUlMjIlMjBzcmMlM0QlMjJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRnd3dy55b3V0dWJlLmNvbSUyRmVtYmVkJTJGZU5pS2Rmc0lBLWMlMjIlMjBmcmFtZWJvcmRlciUzRCUyMjAlMjIlMjBhbGxvdyUzRCUyMmFjY2VsZXJvbWV0ZXIlM0IlMjBhdXRvcGxheSUzQiUyMGNsaXBib2FyZC13cml0ZSUzQiUyMGVuY3J5cHRlZC1tZWRpYSUzQiUyMGd5cm9zY29wZSUzQiUyMHBpY3R1cmUtaW4tcGljdHVyZSUyMiUyMGFsbG93ZnVsbHNjcmVlbiUzRSUzQyUyRmlmcmFtZSUzRQ==[/vc_raw_html][vc_column_text]Episode 3: Activist Chauna Lawson shares her intimate knowledge of domestic violence, and discusses the use of power, manipulation, and the misplacement of “forgiveness” in faith communities.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_raw_html]JTNDaWZyYW1lJTIwd2lkdGglM0QlMjI1NjAlMjIlMjBoZWlnaHQlM0QlMjIzMTUlMjIlMjBzcmMlM0QlMjJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRnd3dy55b3V0dWJlLmNvbSUyRmVtYmVkJTJGemZIVVVfTksxMWclMjIlMjBmcmFtZWJvcmRlciUzRCUyMjAlMjIlMjBhbGxvdyUzRCUyMmFjY2VsZXJvbWV0ZXIlM0IlMjBhdXRvcGxheSUzQiUyMGNsaXBib2FyZC13cml0ZSUzQiUyMGVuY3J5cHRlZC1tZWRpYSUzQiUyMGd5cm9zY29wZSUzQiUyMHBpY3R1cmUtaW4tcGljdHVyZSUyMiUyMGFsbG93ZnVsbHNjcmVlbiUzRSUzQyUyRmlmcmFtZSUzRQ==[/vc_raw_html][vc_column_text]Episode 4: Rev. Zoraida Saldana shares her experiences as a domestic violence counselor, highlighting the way abuse impacts reproductive freedom, how faith leaders and communities can perpetuate or inflict DV, and how survivors can break the chain and seek help.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Compassion School” tab_id=”1604003165851-f9bfbf11-f3cc”][vc_single_image image=”37571″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”http://www.rcrc.org/compassion-school”][vc_column_text]RCRC’s Compassion School is a free virtual learning opportunity, open to anyone and everyone who longs for a more compassionate and just society, and who is ready to help build toward that society.
Click the here to learn more![/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Compassionate Care Workshops” tab_id=”1604003166116-0c3bc107-b9ef”][vc_single_image image=”37205″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”http://www.rcrc.org/compassionate-care”][vc_single_image image=”37200″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]RCRC’s flagship program is our “Compassion Care for Reproductive Decisions and Loss” training workshop, wherein we give tools to help clergy, health care workers, social workers, legal professionals, and others connect with the people they serve in meaningful and compassionate ways.
We do this to help ensure that individuals who experience reproductive challenges and crises are supported in ways that honor their human dignity focusing on their lived experiences, spiritual beliefs, moral values, hopes and needs.
To learn more, click here![/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Recommended Articles” tab_id=”1604003166461-93cf086d-4a9b”][vc_column_text]Recommended Articles
“Catholic Bishops’ Theological Mistakes on Abortion Come at a High Price” by Dr. Mary E. Hunt
“The Argument for Abortion as a Religious Right” by Leila Ettachfini
“Our Jewish Beliefs Call for Us to Advocate Reproductive Rights” by Daniel Schere
“We Must Engage with Shared Values in the Abortion Debate” by Cari Jackson
“The Right to Abortion – And Religious Freedom” by Stephanie Russell-Kraft
“The Biblical Basis for Being Pro-Choice” by belief.net
“When the Religious Right Was Pro-Choice Evangelical Praised Roe” by Rmuse DailyKos
“Where Major Religious Groups Stand on Abortion” by Pew Research Center *
*For a deeper look at the stances of various religious groups on abortion and contraception, register for an upcoming Compassionate Care virtual workshop.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Recommended Books” tab_id=”1604003166632-667a8fff-d59d”][vc_column_text]Recommended Books
Trust Women: A Progressive Christian Argument for Reproductive Justice by Rebecca Todd Peters
Abortion and the Christian Tradition by Margaret D. Kamitsuka[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_tour][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”35px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”1″ margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”0″ padding_top=”55″ padding_bottom=”55″ bg_repeat=”repeat” full_width_padding_left=”40″ full_width_padding_right=”40″ full_width_margin_top=”0″ full_width_margin_bottom=”0″ css=”.vc_custom_1477256289586{margin-bottom: 55px !important;}”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-12 vc_col-md-12 vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][vc_column_text]
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