As the end of 2018 draws near, I have spent some time reflecting on all that Faith in Women has accomplished over these last twelve months. In doing so, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to lead this organization and to work alongside you all. At such a time as this– when, yes, threats to our health and rights are intensifying– I continue to be inspired by the brave, tenacious activism of our leaders, partners, and supporters. Thank you.
Celebrate with us as we remember the strides we have made together in making our state a more healthy and compassionate place for our women and girls. Here are just a few highlights from 2018:
Tech2Empower Training in San Francisco
“Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can!” Beth Kanter, Master Non-Profit Trainer
Faith in Women was one of thirty-six organizations invited to participate in the first-ever U.S. Tech2Empower gathering hosted by Wake International.This week-long training brought advocates from fifteen states together in San Francisco to learn from technology experts based at Slack, Twitter, Google, LinkedIn, Symantec, Mozilla, and Youtube about how we can use technology to strengthen our movements for long-term, sustainable social change.
Space for Grace: Compassionate Care Trainings
“I left the training feeling hopeful and invigorated by the work ahead of us.” Rev. Susan Chorley, participant
In partnership with the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (RCRC), Faith in Women co-hosted two Compassionate Care Trainings in Jackson and Lambert, MS. These trainings created space for more than 25 faith leaders to build deeper understanding of the myriad issues surrounding reproductive decision-making while exploring what it it means to bring compassion into everyday ministry. We were thrilled that our newest Faith in Women board member Hope Crenshaw, Executive Director of Teen Health Mississippi, joined us to co-facilitate our training in Lambert.
Called to Resist: Honoring the Legacy of the Clergy Consultation Service on Abortion
“Even the use of the word ‘abortion’ was illegal. We lived in the realm of knowing we could be in trouble.” Rev. Bill Kirby, speaker
In September we hosted “Called to Resist: The Pre-Roe Faith Movement that Saved Women’s Lives,” co-sponsored with RCRC. More than forty local clergy, churchgoers, health educators, and representatives of Mississippi-based reproductive health and rights organizations gathered in Jackson to learn about the history of the Clergy Consultation Service (CCS) and how its legacy continues to inform the prophetic work of reproductive health, rights, and justice advocacy today.
These are just a few of the ways that you, our Faith in Women friends and supporters, showed up to learn and engage on the issues at the intersection of faith and reproductive health, rights, and justice. We also know that many of you used your voices to influence policy this year, by attending Women in the Halls lobby days at the State Capitol, writing letters to the editor, and contacting your representatives to share your concerns. Your actions are meaningful and inspiring!
With gratitude,
Ashley Peterson, Executive Director
