Have you heard about our clergy video?

Our friend Cindy Copper featured our clergy video on her Words of Choice blog. Thanks for recognizing our work, Cindy! Be sure to check out all of the Faith Aloud videos on our YouTube page.

Support Faith Aloud today!

Three Easy Ways to Support Faith Aloud Right Now:

1. Help us with our strategic planning by filling out our survey. It will only take a few minutes. Your opinions will help us shape the future of Faith Aloud.

2. Join our Cause on Facebook and become a member by donating $25.

3. Share our YouTube videos with your friends.

And don't forget to mark you calendars for the Sex and Religion Trivia night coming up on August 28th!

LIVE Blogging from Mid Missouri Pride

Hello from Stephens Lake Park in Columbia, MO!

We're enjoying a beautiful afternoon at Mid Missouri Pride Fest. We've been talking with people about Faith Aloud and handing out our fabulous new temporary tattoos. Our tent is right in front of the entertainment space so we had front row seats for the African dancing and the singers. I think the "Gayest Dog" competition is starting soon...I'll be sure to post pictures later.

We've met some really interesting people including a woman who does family planning for LGBTQ couples, a group of mid Missouri pagans, the PROMO organizer from Kansas City and the roller derby team from Columbia. The Boone County Health Department is doing free HPV and Hepatitis A and B vaccinations.

Stop by and see us if you're in town. If not, here's some pictures of the fun you're missing!

Still mourning Dr. Tiller's death

Hey readers,
Here are some pictures from the Vigil on monday. We are still dealing with the death of a great advocate for choice.

Memorial Vigil for Dr. TIller in St. Louis

A memorial vigil in honor of Dr. George Tiller will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church in Tower Grove on June 1 at 6:30 pm. We hope you can join us.

If you encounter protesters, please do not engage them physically or verbally.

Faith Aloud Mourns the Murder of Dr. George Tiller

Faith Aloud Mourns the Murder of Dr. George Tiller
May 31, 2009

Abortion Provider Dr. George Tiller was murdered by a gunman who shot him point-blank while he was ushering in services at Reformation Lutheran Church in Wichita, Kansas. His wife, Jeanne, watched in horror from the choir loft.

The clergy and members of Faith Aloud mourn the loss of this courageous, dedicated, and religious man. He and his clinic had been the victim of violence many times before, yet he continued to provide women with desperately needed care. As one of the few providers in the country for third trimester abortions, Dr. Tiller served many women who had planned pregnancies that had gone wrong. He was deeply religious and his services to women and families at his clinic included the guidance of a chaplain.

"Dr. Tiller taught me so much about the spiritual concerns of his patients," said the Reverend Rebecca Turner, Executive Director of Faith Aloud. "He was a kind, compassionate man who respected women and listened to them. America cannot tolerate this kind of domestic terrorism. We must put an end to the hostile rhetoric that fuels this kind of violence. We must hold people accountable who bully women on the sidewalks of abortion clinics. There is nothing "pro-life" about murder and nothing "Christian" about the hatred that fuels it. My heart goes out to abortion providers all over our country who share in this tragedy."

Faith Aloud is an interfaith organization that supports women in all their decisions concerning problem pregnancies.

Michael Orlando Changes His Mind!

Today Faith Aloud received the following e-mail from Michael Orlando (see previous posts to catch up on the story). Thanks to everyone who wrote to Mr. Orlando opposing his decision to deny us service based on our political and religious beliefs.


Recently the Orlando family made a public statement that, due to our Pro Life beliefs we would no longer provide services to Planned Parenthood and Faith Aloud because their views did not agree with our family beliefs. Given the family dynamic of our business this decision was made from an emotional place without considering all of the consequences. We have since learned that this Pro Life stance has been considered by some to be an act of discrimination. That was never our intention. Orlando’s has never discriminated against anyone and has a reputation of generosity and fairness in our community. We would like continue supporting our community without discrimination to any organization regardless of their political or religious beliefs. We strongly believe in the values of diversity and equality that have made our country great. While we as a family uphold the values of our faith and will continue to be Pro Life, we will not inflict our beliefs on our customers. We will respectfully offer our catering and facilities to any organization that has an interest in using them despite our differences. We apologize to anyone we may have offended in our previous decision and look forward to serving our entire community equally.

Michael Orlando
General Manager
Orlando's Catering and Event Design
314-842-2877

Letters to Michael Orlando

These are letters that Faith Aloud's Executive Director and Board President have sent to Michael Orlando in response to his decision to no longer serve Faith Aloud:

A Letter from the Rev. Rebecca Turner, executive director of Faith Aloud, to Michael Orlando

May 7, 2009

Dear Mr. Orlando:

I was quite shocked and disappointed to receive your email stating that you would no longer welcome our business simply because we are a pro-choice organization. It is disappointing that you would give in to angry protesters carrying hostile signs about your business rather than supporting the paying customers who were well-behaved.

On the St. Louis Catholic blog, it quotes you as saying you will no longer provide services to Planned Parenthood. We are not Planned Parenthood and never have been. We are an organization of religious groups and individuals. At the banquet were dozens of clergy. There were also many politicians and directors of several other non-profit agencies. They are all quite dismayed to hear of your announcement and many have vowed to remove their business from you.

It seems to me it would have been very easy for you to tell the detractors that you cannot check the political and religious status of your customers. But instead you've publicly declared that you can't serve pro-choice organizations. That list is so much longer than you probably realize.

I am saddened for the position in which you have placed yourself and saddened that we will not be enjoying the excellent services provided by your wonderful staff.

We will have no difficulty finding another banquet center who will welcome our business.

Sincerely,

Rev. Rebecca Turner

Executive Director of Faith Aloud

A Letter from Rev. Krista Taves, board president of Faith Aloud, to Michael Orlando

Mr. Orlando,

I am the Rev. Krista Taves, minister of Emerson Unitarian Universalist Chapel and president of the Board of Faith Aloud. For the last two years, I have attended Faith Aloud's banquet at your facility and was very pleased with the quality of service. I am deeply disappointed with the decision you have made. I can respect our differences of opinion, but your decision to take the profit you made from our loyal patronage of your facility and donate it to those who oppose us is very disturbing and very insulting. You have disrespected those who honored you and trusted you with their business. Furthermore, you have affirmed the disrespectful and abusive behavior of the protestors who met us at your doors. I can certainly respect your belief that abortion is wrong, but the extreme and inhumane tactics of those protestors is a form of violence that should not be condoned by anyone. You have now validated and condoned that violence.

I will do what I can to ensure that many become aware of your decision and I will urge them to boycott your business. I conduct many weddings and am frequently asked for referrals for reception locations. I will explicitly encourage those couples who come to me not to use your

facility and I will tell them why. I will also refuse to officiate at wedding ceremonies held in your banquet facilities. You can be sure that the thousands of Unitarian Universalists in this city will also not be availing themselves of your services.

Rev. Krista Taves

Faith Aloud board president

ORLANDO'S CATERING WON'T SERVE PRO-CHOICE PEOPLE!

Well folks, its official...the rumors are true. Orlando's Banquets and Catering has caved to the pressure of radical anti-choicers and banished Faith Aloud. Michael Orlando, owner of Orlando's Banquet and Catering, has decided to donate all the profits from the Faith Aloud Awards to radical anti-choice causes to "make amends" for serving us. Furthermore, Michael Orlando has made the poor choice of refusing to serve people associated with Faith Aloud. Basically, Michael Orlando has chosen to ban pro-choice people from all of his venues. In his email to us, Michael Orlando wrote, "After much discussion and deliberation with our family who takes a pro-life stance in our community, we feel we must decline the opportunity to host your event in the future. I hope you understand our position."
We wonder how he can ask that we understand his position when he not only doesn't understand ours but has also chosen to ostracize anyone who associates with our position . When emcee extraordinaire and marriage equality activist Ed Reggi talked to Michael Orlando about the decision to ban Faith Aloud, Michael Orlando told Ed, " this is a right as a Catholic business to refuse anyone that goes against their families beliefs."
How does this make you feel? What can you do? Here at Faith Aloud we encourage you to BOYCOTT Orlando's Banquet and Catering. Don't have your event there, don't attend events there, and tell your friends not to go there. If you want to do more, write to Michael Orlando directly and express your disappointment with his choice to refuse those who support choice. His address is Orlando Gardens, 8352 watson Rd., St. Louis, MO 63119.

Missouri Pro Choice Lobby Day 2009

Hello Everyone!
Yesterday was the Missouri Pro-Choice Lobby day in Jefferson City, MO. Faith Aloud had a great time along with Planned Parenthood, Naral Pro-Choice MO, Promo and many others. We had two bills to focus on while at Lobby Day. One was SB 264 (aka The Abortion Restriction Bill of 2009) and the Other was The Prevention First Act which is in the House as HB999 and in the Senate as SB329.
Here's little info on both:
The Abortion Restriction Bill of 2009 contains a lot of extreme measures that hurt women and providers while doing nothing to reduce the number of unintended pregnancies. It places unnescssary reqirements on women who want to terminate their pregnacies by adding extra steps prior to their procedures that may take days to complete. It also add extra work for doctors and their staff for no reason. THIS IS A BAD BILL FOR ALL WOMEN AND DOCTORS!

The Prevention First Act is all about preventing unintended pregnancies, and improving access to preventive health care measures. This bill would repeal the restrictions around medically accurate comprehensive Sexual Education for all sexualities. It would ensure vicitms of sexual assault were given access and information about Plan B. Finally it would ensure that women of all backgrounds were able to access affordable birth control and yearly well woman exams.

To conclude Lobby Day Faith Aloud put together a Interfaith Service. The Speakers included: Rev. Krista Taves, Minister at Emerson Unitarian Universalist Chapel, Kate Lovelady, Leader of The Ethical Society St. Louis, Lucy Smith, Member of PPSLR's TASH and My Faith Aloud, Rev. Rebecca Turner, Disciple of Christ minister and Executive Director of Faith Aloud, Kelli Whitman, Eden Seminary Student and Outreach Coordinator of Faith Aloud, and Rev. Teresa Mithen, Priest at St. John's Episcopal Church.
Here is a snippet of that service:
Family Planning is embraced by religions across the spectrum as a moral good, a responsible choice, and a basic human right. The world’s religions recognize that family planning helps build strong families, protect the health of women and children, reduce child and spousal abuse, and prevent unwanted pregnancies


Also Check out these Photos from Lobby day:


And a video will be on its way very soon so check back here to see it!

Earth Day!

Here are a few thoughts from faith aloud about the intersections of Environmental Justice and Reproductive Justice in honor of earth day! ENJOY!

Reproductive justice is not just about abortion, birth control, or family planning. Protecting our planet is an important factor when discussing reproductive and general health. We must be cognizant of our impact upon the planet and fellow human beings, and work to keep our oceans clean, soil fertile, people healthy and our planet safe.


Where does Faith Aloud stand on
Reproductive Justice & the Environment?

We DO NOT support abortion or family planning as a form of population control

We DO support the ability of individuals and families to make environmentally friendly and ecologically responsible reproductive health decisions.

We Do support responsible parenting that recognizes how badly we have damaged the planet and the health risks that presents.

We Do support the consideration of environmental health when deciding if and how to bring children into the world.



And here is how different faiths view the intersection of reproductive justice and environmental justice:

Jewish traditions highlight a relationship between the environment and responsible family planning:
“Human beings are supposed to exercise their power.. and free will to be wise stewards of Creation. They should help to maintain the Order of Creation even while they are allowed to use it for their own benefit within certain limits established by God (Genesis 2:14).” **

Here's what some Christian theologians say:
“Christ demonstrates what it means to be created in the image of God: he does not grasp his equality, but lets it go to become the servant of all. We need to see that the real image.. revealed in Christ, is to be a humble servant. We need to become servants of creation and thus reveal in ourselves the true likeness of God.” (Colossians 1.15 and Philippians 2.6
7.) ***

And religions such as Buddhism also teach:
“..family planning when people feel it would be a burden on themselves or their environment to have more [kids].” ****


Now tell us your thoughts on the intersection of Reproductive justice and the environment! What have you heard your faith say? What spiritual practices do you use to honor the earth and your own body? Let us know by commenting here or emailing events@faithaloud.org

*Levi, Yehuada Leo “Jewish Environmental Perspectives” http:// www.jcpa.org/art/jep4.htm

** Troster, Rabbi Lawrence “Ten Teachings on Judaism and the Environment” http://www.coejl.org/learn/je_tenje.php

***Brown, Jennifer “A Christian Perspective on the environment” http://www.sageoxford.org.uk/brown2.htm

**** Stacey, Dawn M.Ed, LMHC,”What Do Religions Say About Birth Control and Family Planning?” http://contraception.about.com/od/ additionalresources/ss/religion_8.htm

Twitter and You Tube

Hey folks!
Faith Aloud is proud to announce it's very own YouTube Channel and Twitter page. Check them both out!
www.youtube.com/faithaloud and www.twitter.com/faithaloud

See you all this sunday at the Faith Aloud Awards and Tues the 28th at missouri prochoice lobby day!

Hello out there!
Here is a clip of the previously mentioned counseling DVD's that Faith Aloud has produced for clinics. They cost $5 each and can be purchased by emailing Kelli at outreach@faithaloud.org

Live from Hampshire College Conference....

Hey folks of the blogging universe...... Autumn here still at the Hampshire College Conference: From Abortion Rights to Social Justice. On our last day here we come together to look at where we are going and where we dream we can go. Paris Hatcher is the co-executive director of SPARK. Her dreams came in the form of a "moody love letter to the movement" full of questions and what she feels are the answers the movement of reproductive justice has given her. She dreams of a long term vision.She asks "Are we prepared to do this if the doing of it looks different? The drive to professionalize our movement is burning it out. Will we do it if we don't get paid? do we encourage by push back and dissent." She concludes with the hope filled statement that "the movement might actually love me"


Susanna George is on the board of ARROW. Her dreams for the movement involve us "Thinking trans nationally and locally and acting trans nationally and locally." SHe asks all of us for a Spirit of collectivism while we live in the era of the father of all hierarchies. We must consider struggles of social justice activist around the world. George quotes Benedict Anderson: a nation is a imagined political community and then invites us all to imagine a different kind of political community a world-wide political community.

Carol Mason of Oklahoma State University begins her dreams with the statement that the prosecution of pregnant women which feeds Prison Industrial Complex. She states that "The issue of abortion is a manufactured moral divide in the united states. Abortion is still being used to distract from attention from things women have in common" She believes that finding real common ground is a way to cross the manufactured moral divide and that fetal personhood laws affect all pregnant women, in fact it affects all women. On that topic be sure to check out this awesome video : http://advocatesforpregnantwomen.org/nafpw.

David Zielinski Koska talked about how violence is the simultaneous dehumanization of the perpetrator and victim. Koska believes scarcity is first lesson of violence...and capitalism. Feminism is the smallest unit of anarchist resistance. Koska's dreams focus on Abundance and justice. Resist anything that tells us and our organization that we are actually in competition with each other.

Mia Herndon who is the executive director at Third Wave. She says that while "Warren buffet and I are not homies yet." she still believes that there is enough funding to make the movement work. She believes that the resources of large foundations " are built off our backs so the money deserves to go back into our community." She spoke about the critique that adding other sites of oppression to our movement, going from a rights stance to a justice stand point, dilutes our movement. Her response to this is that "in life I never separate all these things so how can I separate them in my activism" She also noted that the revolution will not be funded by foundations alone. IT needs the fuel of our reflections and deep thinking. Finally she laughingly pointed out that fun is important because no one wants to join a movement where everyone looks upset. Winning is our duty and it is a possibility. Winning does not have to be one way. We can win together.

Lastly Moderator Lani Blechman gave us her dreams in the form of a To Do List for the Movement. Part of that list follows:
be resilient
be passionate
know who divides you
dance
don't forget the differences
don't forget technology
don't forget to talk face to face
you are funny be funny
work smart
value each other
don't believe the hype
ground work in experinces
know your limits
sit in conflict
build collective power
move beyond comfort zones
and win!

LIVE FROM HAMPSHIRE COLLEGE......

On the criminalization of sexuality....this topic includes but is not limited to LGBTQ issues, Sex work., and punitive apporach to women who become pregnant while using drugs or alcohol. There is an overarching patriarchal paternalism. So what can we do? Check out Fierce FIERCE developed the Save Our Space organizing platform to counter the displacement and criminalization of LGBTQ youth of color and homeless youth at the Christopher Street Pier and in Manhattan's West Village. They also work to support the Jersey 4. Check out their website. http://www.fiercenyc.org You can work to legalize Sex work and give sex workers the right to unionize and do the work they want without police harassment. You can check out the National Advocates for Pregnant Women at http://www.advocatesforpregnantwomen.org, National Advocates for Pregnant Women (NAPW) works to guarantee the basic human rights of health and welfare of all women, with a particular focus on pregnant women. Lots of info...also on this topic check out Opening Up: A Guide to Creating and Sustaining Open Relationships by Tristan Taormino which is available in the Faith Aloud Library to see the criminalization of polyamory.
**Autumn**

Live Blogging from Hampshire....

hey everyone! Autumn here at the Hampshire College Conference...There is so much going on! From fabulous performers to great workshops to new and old friends! Yesterday at a workshop on "Resisting the Right" I was asked to define the religious left. I was asked to define the what defines a faith perspective as acceptable for Faith Aloud. I stumbled on this question. I did my best to define a perspective that was pro-choice, feminist, that supported LGBTQ equality and worked to end racism. I imagine my answer sounded kind of like a jumble of liberal ideas and multi-faith mumbles. Then panelist Chip Berlet, who is a Senior analyst at Political Research Associates, summed it up in a few words. He said basically that the religious left is any faith or spiritual viewpoint that unequivocally supports human rights for everyone. This is the common ground that faith, spiritual and ethical perspectives share with reproductive justice through the work of Faith Aloud. More later...
**Autumn**

UPDATE UPDATE!!!

Faith Aloud has been busy! We went with PROMO to the Missouri LGBTQ Lobby Day to work to pass MONA, the Missouri Non-discrimination act which would prevent job and housing discrimination based on sexual identity and gender identity. We also worked to pass the safe schools act which would help keep lgbtq students save in Missouri schools.

Faith Aloud also had a great time at the 13th annual Webster University Drag Ball. It was a great event and many thanks go out to the atendees, performers and the folks at Webster University who made the event a total success.

Also Faith Aloud has been planning a lot of upcoming events!

On April 16th Faith Aloud in conjunction with Naral Pro-choice Missouri will host "WHOSE CONSCIENCE?" at Eden Seminary at 7pm Rev. Rebecca Turner, executive director of Faith Aloud and Pamela Sumners, executive director of Naral Pro-choice Missouri will talk about both the legal and moral perspective of pharmacy-refusal.

Additionally the Fabulous Faith Aloud Awards will take place on April 26th from 6-9pm in St. Louis, Mo. Details are available at FaithAloud.org and on facebook. Tickets are $60 (student pricing is available) and we still have plenty of spots left. Call the office to order! 314-531-5010

Also Faith Aloud is heading to Jefferson City, Mo to Lobby for Reproductive Justice on April 28th! Details at FaithAloud.org

As a last p.s. check out this article that just goes to show you we have a long way to go before we archive justice for all. http://primebuzz.kcstar.com/?q=node/17848

DVD's and COUNSELING Cards GALORE!

Faith Aloud is proud to announce the production of clinic counseling videos and counseling cards. The DVD is designed especially for clinics and includes faith based counseling for women from a Christian and Jewish perspective. The Christian perspective is even bilingual! These DVD's are for clinics so if you work for one and would like to order DVD's and counseling cards please contact Rev. Rebecca Turner at execdirector@FaithAloud.org. Otherwise keep a lookout for other totally fabulous things coming soon from Faith Aloud.

Ten things for Faithful teens to do before sex PART II

The second part of our sex education Vlog made by the Teen of MY FAITH ALOUD. Check it out below or go to the following you tube website: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQg1qtes-pw

My Faith Aloud is always looking for vlog ideas and you can suggest them through email at events@faithaloud.org or via the facebook group. Happy Watching!

One small step in taking religion out of goveremnt

Yesterday President Barack Obama took a step towards taking the morality of former President Bush out of government and out of science. President Obama lifted the federal funding restrictions on embryonic stem cell research. This means that for the first time since former President Bush imposed the ban in 2001 scientist in the United States can receive federal funds for doing stem cell research. Scientists in the United States now are free to CHOOSE to study and get federal funding for stem cell research. What a novel idea? A government that allows people to choose? Those who are opposed to stem cell research do not have to do it--they too have a choice, but those who wish to pursuit this type of research are free to do so as well. Hopefully President Obama extends this right to chose to the women of America as well.

300 views and making MONA PASS!

Hey folks just a quick note...our new goal here is to get 300 people to view out youtube ten things video mentioned below...so make sure every teen in your life has seen it! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHHIC1liNZ8.....also PROMO wants ot hear your stories about discrimination based on sexual identity. Email your stories here For confidentiality, please email your stories to Stephanie@PROMOonline.org.
You may also call the SWMO Regional Field Organizer, Stephanie Perkins, at 417.291.6569 to talk about your story. or go to Showmenohate.blogspot.com for more info. This information will be used to help pass Missouri Safe Schools Legislation and the Missouri Nondiscrimination Act (MONA). Our exec. Director Rev. Rebecca Turner is testifying right now in Jefferson City to help pass MONA so do your part too!

VIDEO BLOG

Hey Folks! Our Fabulous teen group, MY FAITH ALOUD, has put together the first of many video blogs. This video is the first half of a blog on ten things faithful teens should do before having sex. CHECK IT OUT. SEND IT TO YOUR FRIENDS! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHHIC1liNZ8








PS the SECOND HALF IS ON ITS WAY! IT SHOULD BE UP NEXT WEEK!

WE ARE IN GAMOUR AND WE HAVE A TOLL FREE NUMBER!

Hey EVERYONE! Guess what? Faith Aloud has made it to the big time! We are mentioned in an article on Glamour.com . It is a great article about the personal nature of abortion. Check it out. Follow the link above or click HERE. We couldn't be more thrilled by this article and we hope it represents a new trend in American thinking about the abortion debate...that there is no debate...just women making their own personal moral decisions.

And if people want help with those decisions, Faith Aloud is here with our brand new nation wide TOLL FREE NUMBER 1-888-717-5010 or as always via our website FaithAloud.org. Faith Aloud will always be the moral and ethical voice of reproductive justice and will continue to work with religious and spiritual communities everywhere to ensure all people have the support, knowledge and freedom to make whatever choices they need to make. Congratulations America...Here's to the new era in reproducitve justice.

TASTE OF CHOICE!!!!!!

FAITH ALOUD PRESENTS: A TASTE OF CHOICE! THIS MONDAY FEBRUARY 2nd! A Valentine's Day themed wine tasting fundraiser!!! to RSVP or for more details please see our website www.FaithAloud.org ! See you there

CHECK US OUT!

HEY ALL! HOPE YOUR NEW YEAR IS GETTING OFF TO A GREAT START! Ours certianly is as we have appeared on feministing. pretty fantastic I say! http://community.feministing.com/2009/01/blessing-for-the-anniversary-o.html#comments