Charles Loflin
RJTF Supports Newly Introduced Legislation
The Reproductive Justice Task Force supports newly introduced legislation that will expand access to abortion and reproductive health care here in NJ. We were on hand in Trenton for a press conference with Senator Ruiz & Senate President Scutari. The RJTF partnered with our colleagues at NCJW to craft a joint statement expressing interfaith support for access to reproductive health care.
“On behalf of the National Council of Jewish Women, Essex, Bergen, Jersey Hills, West Morris and Metro Jersey Sections and Unitarian Universalist Faith Action New Jersey, we applaud the introduction and support for the passage of this reproductive health insurance bill – another step forward in breaking down the financial barriers to accessing abortion care and the full range of reproductive health care options.
Many faith communities share the belief in bodily autonomy, in respect and dignity for the decisions we choose to make, and in the right of everyone to both reproductive and religious freedom in making those decisions.
So many of our respective faiths center equity and justice in our texts and teachings. In the Torah, for example, we are instructed to never forget those who live in the shadows, whose opportunity and freedom are not guaranteed. We are commanded to pursue justice.
Unitarian Universalist principles also call upon us to work toward justice, equity and compassion for everyone. In accordance with this commitment to justice, we must affirm the right of all people to have access to abortion care and all other forms of reproductive health care. This is a fundamental belief, that we all must be free to follow our conscience when making decisions about our health.”
The RJTF also issued the following statement as part of the Thrive NJ press release in support of this legislation.
“UU Faith Action fully supports the introduction of legislation expanding insurance coverage for reproductive health care. As Unitarian Universalists we affirm the right to bodily autonomy, which includes access to abortion care and the full range of reproductive healthcare options. Breaking down all barriers to care must be accomplished for everyone in our State. It’s a matter of health, of safety, of religious freedom, and, most importantly, of justice.”
Carol Loscalzo & Jami Thall, Co-Chairs UUFANJ Reproductive Justice Task Force
Be a part of the UU Climate Justice Revival!
UU FaithAction NJ is one of the Institutional Sponsors for the UU Climate Justice Revival, “Reimagine Together: From an Extractive Age to a New Era.” The goal of the UU Climate Justice Revival is to equip UU congregations to enter into a new era of climate action—one that intentionally and faithfully breaks down silos and cultivates relationships that lead to flourishing collaborations that transform congregations through climate justice.
Learn more about the UU Climate Revival and how your congregation can be a part of it. Visit https://uuclimatejustice.org for comprehensive details and to register your congregation to participate.
How does it work?
On September 28-29, participating congregations will host UU Climate Justice Revivals to collectively reimagine a spirit-filled and liberatory future. Through conversations, worship, and advocacy, congregations will work together to realize climate justice and collective liberation in our communities. Congregations will receive everything they need to host a revival in their communities, including discussion guides and materials for all ages, training, worship resources, and advocacy actions designed to transform our communities through climate justice.
Day 1 of the revival features facilitated conversations. Participating congregations designate at least two people as facilitators who will receive a toolkit, training and support to host the activities.
Day 2 is for Worship and Advocacy. Participating congregations receive worship materials, sample sermons, recordings and sheet music of the song commissioned to celebrate the revival. Following worship services, congregations will join in a national advocacy hour.
In New Jersey, Beacon UU Congregation in Summit and the UU Congregation at Montclair have already signed up to participate. Several other congregations are in the process of discerning how they can be involved.
We at UU FaithAction want to support the congregations who are participating as well as facilitate collaboration among congregations who would like to work together to be involved.
An idea that we’re currently exploring is an alternative date (perhaps in the spring) for a collaborative Climate Justice Revival among multiple congregations. This might include multi-platform Day 1 facilitated conversation or perhaps a hosted conversation for multiple congregations in a region. This also might assist congregations for whom the September 28-29 dates aren’t possible (and the UU Climate Justice Revival is already supporting congregations who opt for an alternative date).
What this means for your congregation.
First, know that UU FaithAction wants to be a resource for every NJ congregation who is interested in participating. Both the Beacon and Montclair congregations have expressed openness to having other congregations join their Climate Justice Revival offerings. Other congregations exploring how they might choose to participate have also expressed interest in collaborating. Congregations who are interested in being part of the conversation about a collaborative Climate Justice Revival date are encouraged to let us at UU FaithAction know as we work to facilitate further conversations in this regard.
And that’s the call to action in a nutshell. If you’re a congregation who is planning to participate in the revival as an individual congregation on September 28-29, let us know. If your congregation wants to be part of the ongoing conversation about collaboration for an alternate revival date, let us know. If you have general questions, let us know. Please email us at admin@uufaithaction.org.
This is such an important opportunity to move past systems and cultures of extraction to usher in a new era with love and justice at the center of our climate actions. It’s time to Reimagine Together!
Fall Issues Conference Action Hour Launch
Support the Reproductive Equity Act (S2918/A4350)!
We are calling on the NJ Legislative Leadership—Senate President Scutari and Assembly Speaker Coughlin—to schedule the bills for committee hearings so that they can progress to a full vote of the Senate and House.
For more information on this and other “Action Hour” actions, visit: bit.ly/1st-fridays
Showing Up for Trans Justice webinar on Weds. March 22
Join Side With Love and UPLIFT Action for this webinar to lift up the faithful work UUs are doing right now to protect and affirm the beauty and humanity of trans and queer people. We’ll hear from folks organizing on the ground at Texas Unitarian Universalist Justice Ministry, Transforming Hearts Collective, UU Justice NC, Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, and TrUUst and share ways that you and your community can take meaningful action.
Register at bit.ly/FaithfulUUsForTransJustice and invite others in your congregation to join too!
Special Report: Heat in NJ Prisons
Newly appointed Department of Corrections ombudsperson Terry Schuster released a special report on “Heat in NJ Prisons.” For several years, there have been reports of extreme temperature — heat in summer and cold in winter, within the prisons. For incarcerated persons, this constitutes a form of “cruel and unusual punishment.”
Send a message to Gov. Murphy, your NJ state legislators, the Commissioner and the Department of Corrections and the Ombudsperson to let them know that it is imperative to take action now.
2022 Issues Conference Registration
Registration is now open for the 2022 Issues Conference.
The conference will take place on Saturday, November 12th from 10am-2pm at the Morristown Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (and online via Zoom). This year’s theme is “Stronger Together” which recognizes that, to be most effective, the work of UU FaithAction NJ needs to be grounded in the work of UU Congregations across the state. At its heart, the Issues Conference is about accountability between our organization and the congregations that make this work possible.
Registration Now Open for the Spring Gala — Embracing Resiliency
This year’s gala will be a multi-platform event hosted in-person by the Unitarian Society of Ridgewood and streaming online via Zoom.
Please join us for this special celebration of our collective resiliency. The evening’s program will include a special presentation by each of our task forces of a micro-grant to a coalition partner in the spirit of collaboration and mutual flourishing. The Gala is a great opportunity to invite your friends to attend and become a part of this important social justice work.
Holiday Letter
December 24, 2021
Dear Friends,
Here we are, once again, nearing the end of yet another holiday season and with only a handful of days left in the year, that has been 2021. Looking back, the most honest thing we can say is that it certainly was not exactly what we expected.
It was this time a year ago that the very first COVID-19 vaccination was administered in the U.S. and twelve months later it continues to be the headline story. Here in New Jersey, the overall rate for those fully vaccinated is 70.1%—slightly higher than the national rate of 61.7%. Today’s conversation centers on the need for boosters especially in light of the fast-spreading omicron variant. We continue to encourage everyone who can to be fully vaccinated including the booster. COVID isn’t done with us yet, despite our overwhelming desire to be done with COVID. Expectations.
On January 6th, 2021, we witnessed in real-time an attempted insurrection in the nation’s capital. In a country that has been committed to the peaceful transfer of power, the shockwaves continue to ripple from this unmistakeable warning to the safeguards of our political system. There is work to be done. Expectations.
Here in New Jersey, the year ended with a much tighter than expected governor’s race. The lame duck legislative session has been a mixed bag. While there have been some bills that have forwarded our social justice agenda, there has been a disappointing lack of action on crucial issues including the Reproductive Freedom Act, Reparations, Safe Storage of Firearms, Immigration, and Criminal Justice Reform. Once again, it’s clear there is work to be done. Expectations.
Yet, despite this year of sometimes disappointing expectations, there has been one area that has consistently exceeded our expectations: the inspiring commitment and action of those who make the work of UU FaithAction NJ possible. YOU have stepped up in so many ways. In a world where Zoom fatigue is a real thing, you’ve shown resilience and adaptability to keep the work of this organization going. We talk about our threefold mission here to Educate, Advocate, and Mobilize. Our task forces under the tremendous leadership of our task force chairs, continue to move our mission forward. The commitment of our youth through FAIR to explore advocacy for inclusivity in their schools is inspiring. Our liaisons have helped to remind our congregations of the ongoing work of UUFANJ even in the midst of virtual gatherings. Members of the Board continue to discern the path for this organization going forward, to live into its mission and vision. The staff and consultants bring their best selves to this work.
None of this work would be possible without those who put their faith in action by responding to action alerts on legislation, taking advantage of educational opportunities to expand our reach through closer partnerships with congregations and coalition groups, and supporting this work through gifts of time, expertise and financial resources. Expectations, indeed!
In these times where the call to the work of social justice, equity, and compassion have never been clearer, it is good to name our expectations. The struggle is not easy and it is an ongoing effort. It requires perseverance and humility. Now more than ever, there is a need for grace and gentleness with one another, as we find a way though what often feels like unprecedented times.
Know this: We thank you for all that you do. You are a blessing. We look forward to the work ahead with great expectations!
In faith, with love and for justice,
Charles Loflin, Executive Director
Mia Morse, President, Board of Trustees
