Our faith tradition has long championed freedom and justice. Shortly after the merger of Universalism and Unitarianism (1961), our new association embraced civil rights and women’s rights, affirming every individual’s right to make personal decisions about their bodies and reproductive health, including access to abortion. Unitarian Universalists have supported movements to make abortion accessible and affordable while working to destigmatize it within society. Over time, we expanded this advocacy to include sexual orientation and gender identity, offering comprehensive sexuality education and standing for these values in public life.
Our Congregation of Mayhem
Our congregation is part of this proud legacy. In the 1980s, our minister, nicknamed the “Minister of Mayhem” by the local religious right, bravely escorted women through hostile crowds to access reproductive care. In the early 1990s, our members led critical dialogues on abortion. For decades, we’ve provided comprehensive sexuality education and have been a GLBTQ Welcoming Congregation since 2003.
A Rallying Call for Reproductive Justice
In response to the U.S. Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade in June 2022, we reaffirmed our Unitarian Universalist values and long-standing commitment to reproductive justice. With lawmakers across the country debating the future of abortion rights, we refuse to stay silent. Our congregation passed a resolution supporting reproductive rights on September 25, 2022, with 98% voting in favor. Of 92 eligible voters, 89 voted Yes, and three voted No.
What’s Next – Now!
Our Side With Love Social Justice Team has resources and actions to help protect every individual’s right to make personal choices about their bodies and reproductive health.
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