What is a Reproductive Freedom Congregation?
Too often, congregations–even progressive faith communities–perpetuate a conspiracy of silence around reproductive health issues, especially abortion. This silence can make people reluctant to share their experiences or reach out for support, for fear of being shamed, judged, or stigmatized. We are here to say abortion is a blessing.
The Reproductive Freedom Congregation initiative is a first step in bringing these issues out of the shadows.
Reproductive Freedom Congregations publicly affirm three principles:
- We trust and respect women and people who can become pregnant.
- We promise that people who attend our congregation will be free from stigma, shame, or judgment for their reproductive decisions, including abortion.
- We believe access to comprehensive and affordable reproductive health services, including abortion, is a moral and social good.
Why Join This Movement?
Just as the powerful movement of welcoming-and-affirming congregations continues to make a profound impact on inclusion of the LGBTQIA+ community, our work is a similar effort, grounded in faithful congregations, that will spark a change to the religious conversation around abortion and reproductive freedom in Texas.
As more and more houses of worship across the state join this movement, together we will be a powerful challenge to the broader societal stigma against reproductive freedom.
How Do You Join This Movement?
By meeting a few simple criteria:
Have public conversations about what it means to be a Reproductive Freedom Congregation, discussing the principles and the congregation’s values
Pledge to make the sacred space safe and accepting for everyone
Determine the level of engagement that best matches the congregation’s values
Formally vote to adopt the principles
Levels of Engagement
We understand that every congregation enters into this work from a different place on the path towards reproductive freedom. This is why we offer three levels of engagement for your congregation.
- Public affirmation of the principles
- Commitment to regular education around reproductive freedom
- Public witness for reproductive freedom in the political arena and the media
Our Network
Look below to find a congregation near you where you can share your faith story and your reproductive story!
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Agape Metropolitan Community Church
Fort Worth -
Amarillo Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
Amarillo -
The Awakening Spiritual Community
San Antonio -
Central Presbyterian Church
Austin -
The Congregational Church of Austin
Austin -
Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church
Houston -
Ethical Society of Austin
Austin -
Faith Presbyterian Church
Austin -
First Unitarian Church
Dallas -
First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston - Museum District
Houston -
First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston - Thoreau Campus
Richmond -
First Unitarian Universalist Church
Austin -
First Unitarian Universalist Church
San Antonio -
First United Methodist Church
Austin -
Friends Congregational Church
College Station -
The Gathering: A Womanist Church
Dallas -
Horizon Unitarian Universalist Church
Carrollton -
Labyrinth Progressive Student Ministry - University of Texas
Austin -
Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Church
Cedar Park -
Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
Houston -
Red River Unitarian Universalist Church
Sherman -
San Gabriel Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
Georgetown -
San Marcos Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
San Marcos -
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
Austin -
Tapestry Unitarian Universalist Church
Houston -
Trinity Episcopal Church - Midtown
Houston -
Unitarian Universalist Church of The Brazos Valley
College Station -
Unitarian Universalist Church of Victoria
Victoria -
University Baptist Church
Austin -
Westside Unitarian Universalist Church
Fort Worth -
Wildflower Church
Austin
