Sacred Gathering Next Week

Conference will show importance of religion to pro-choice movement

Despite some on the left who think repro rights is simply a secular movement, faith-based coalitions have always played an important part of the abortion rights movement.

Next week, the Spiritual Alliance of Communities for Reproductive Dignity (SACReD) Gathering will take place virtually on Jan. 25-26, 2022. It will feature several speakers and panels who will discuss how to teach congregations about reproductive rights and theological arguments for choice.

“This is one of those critical moments in history when the progressive faith community must unite to defend the rights and dignity of all people,” said the Rev. Angela Williams, lead organizer for SACReD. “Far more than an opportunity to organize, we will use SACReD to send this message to all who seek reproductive health care, including abortion: You are loved, you are supported and we will always uplift your dignity.”

The online gathering is organized by faith groups and congregations who are committed to speaking boldly and politically in support of reproductive freedom. The convening will bring together leaders from the reproductive health, rights and justice community to discuss how faith and reproductive liberation are interdependent, through keynotes, panel discussions, breakout sessions and more.

Prior to Roe v. Wade, rabbis and reverends formed the clergy consultation service—a collection of religious figures who helped arrange abortions for women who sought them out. Sometimes young women would come with their fathers who asked for help, or with boyfriends who wanted them to get out of trouble. Members of the service examined the offices of people who gave abortions to them.

After Roe, members of the National Coalition for Abortion Rights testified several times before congress about how the anti-abortion movement didn’t have a monopoly on worship. And recently, Just Texas formed to create reproductive freedom congregations as part of an effort to build support for abortion access in the state.

For more information, a full list of groups involved, registration and program updates, visit justtx.org/sacred.