Newsletter – Unitarian Universalist FaithAction NJ

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

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!