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Clearing House and Resource Center
Webinar: Theology of Choice

The Clearinghouse of the National Black Church Initiative, a program of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, recently presented a three part series on the “Theology of Choice” with Reverend Madison T. Shockley, Pastor of Pilgrim United Church of Christ, Carlsbad, California.  
  
Summary: African-American women are at the center of African-American religious life. African- American women make up 70% of the membership of black churches. African-American women are four times as likely as white women to have an abortion. It is vitally important for religious communities, particularly the black church, to gain a better understanding of reproductive choice and how it is theologically grounded. The reproductive health of African- American women has to become a greater priority for the black church.

Session one: The essential information needed to develop a positive theology: a demographic analysis of women accessing abortion services, laws governing reproductive rights, and the views and involvement of major religious traditions in the pro-choice movement. Download the presentation
  
Session two: The theological issues around abortion and other reproductive choices, including biblical and philosophical views on personhood, modern medical insights, and the role of clergy in women’s decision-making process on reproductive issues. Download the presentation
  
Session three: Ways to develop a "theology of choice" that advances personal and public health and provides a context within which women may make reproductive decisions that are spiritually and religiously grounded and affirming.

The MultiCultural Programs Department Clearing House and Resource Center features a collection of theological books, sermons, speeches,  workshop presentations, youth and adult sexuality curriculums. The Clearing House and Resource Center serves as a resource to clergy, seminarians, health and human service educators, parents and youth. Resources are available for loan. For more information, contact bciinfo@rcrc.org or call 202-628-7700.

For more information on the Black Church Initiative, please call 202-628-7700 or email bciinfo@rcrc.org.