Unitarian Universalists in the Media

A frequently updated guide to stories about Unitarian Universalists from other sources around the web.

Thursday, March 16, 2006

Talking about sex, preaching politics, and more

by Sonja L. Cohen

Sex, sexual identity, and reproductive rights
Churches are often uncomfortable talking about sex, which is why the First Evangelical Free Church in Rockford, Illinois, is hosting a two-day youth conference designed to deal frankly with the issue of sex while still making it clear that it is something the religion believes should stay within the context of marriage. This article about the event also discusses the Unitarian Universalist denomination's long history of teaching about sexuality, and its popular Our Whole Lives curriculum. “We believe that teenagers are too young for sexual relationships, and we talk about that,” said the Rev. Colleen MacDonald, minister of religious education at Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockford. “We tell them, however, you are a sexual being and you’re going to want to express those feelings. Here are the boundaries. Here is the information you need.” (Rockford Register Star - Rockford, IL 3.10.06)

A bill in Vermont adding the words "gender identity and expression" to a list of specific groups protected by civil rights would help that state join the seven others that have made equal rights for transgender citizens part of state law. A group of supporters met recently at Burlington's Unitarian Universalist Church where they listened to a series of personal testimonies that will be presented at hearings before the legislature on the bill. (Richmond Out in the Mountains - Richmond, VT 3.3.06)

And in South Dakota, Governor Mike Rounds signed a bill banning abortion except when it is necessary to save a woman’s life. Antiabortionists were ecstatic, but pro-choice activists like Marion Zenker of Black Hills Unitarian Universalist Fellowship expressed their shame and sadness over living in a state where "it seems that women are not considered responsible." (Rapid City Journal - Rapid City, SD 3.10.06)

Also in the media this week:
In a sermon at the First Unitarian Universalist Church in Austin, Texas, the Rev. Davidson Loehr accused the Bush administration of orchestrating the September 11 attacks to fulfill its plan to establish a new world order. The sermon received a mixed reaction from the congregants; some walked out, others gave a standing ovation. But weeks later the controversial sermon is still creating Internet buzz, and Loehr, though not sorry about what he said, is wishing he'd done more research before preaching. (Austin American-Statesman - Austin, TX 3.11.06 registration required)

First Unitarian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, unveiled a historical marker commemorating suffragist Susan B. Anthony's 1895 visit. (Louisville Courier-Journal - Louisville, KY 3.13.06)

A recently launched Cops & Clergy program in Woodinville, Washington, hopes to build relationships and share information about crime prevention and public safety. (Northwest News - Woodinville, WA 3.16.06)

And the Boston Globe follows up on the story of the historic Quincy, Massachusetts, church that was first denied and later granted permission to hang an enormous marriage equality banner on its building. (Boston Globe - Boston, MA 3.12.06)

For previous stories on this topic see: "Local politics and gay rights" (uuworld.org, UUs in the Media - 3.5.06)

posted by Sonja L. Cohen at 3:19 PM

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