I am resharing with permission Resources for Collective Healing & Action compiled by Faith Matters Network for activists, organizers, clergy and community leaders in the face of the official repeal of Roe. v. Wade.

Faith Matters Network is a womanist-led organization focused on personal and social transformation. which envisions a world of people living in just communities rooted in wisdom, spiritual practices, healing, and courage.

Thank you to the FMN team for providing love and care in such a needed time.

Friends,

How is your body feeling?

On Friday, the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade left many of us violated on the deepest levels where it matters most: our bodies and souls.

At Faith Matters Network, we believe that reproductive justice is a sacred right. We know how critical it is for faith leaders, especially those rooted in Christianity, to be clear in our support for reproductive justice in concrete ways.

After the January 6th insurrection, we wrote that our focus is on supporting you - activists, organizers, clergy and community leaders who hold the pain of your communities as you also work to dismantle the sources of that pain while creating better futures.

It is the same in this moment: There is urgency, yes. And there is you. And we need you to survive.

We're here to heal the healers for the long haul of this journey. We're here to accompany you as you process your grief, loss, and trauma. We're here to help you prioritize pleasure, agency, and care in your body and spirit as your birthright.

We celebrate the powerful rapid response organizing in this moment, and the organizations that have been leading this struggle for decades-- especially those centering Black, Brown, poor and Indigenous women and LGBT people whose prophetic voices have shined a light on what reproductive justice means and the world we are fighting for.

This is a long fight. It requires each of us to be whole and well to continue showing up, and for those of us who are healers to accompany those on the frontlines in sustainable ways.

There's a lot to hold. We see you, we honor your work, we value you. May this encouragement and these practical resources below offer you sustenance.

With Care
Rev. Jen Bailey and the Faith Matters Network Team

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RESOURCES FOR COLLECTIVE HEALING

As a Womanist led organization, we value the deep wisdom that our body and heart have to offer in moments of crisis. We choose to emphasize resources that are tied to communal healing & ritual because spiritual care is just as important as taking collective action. We encourage you to turn to the tools & practices that keep you centered during this time.

Liturgy & Prayer - Living Psalm 139 from United Church of Christ
"Sovereignty Hymn" by The Bengsons - Watch Adrienne Marie Brown & MILCK duet
"We Won't Go Back" by MILCK - Watch youtube video here
A Recipe for Resilience - Read Valarie Kaur's revolutionary love practices for this moment
Meditative Prompts - Click here for grounding questions offered up by Black Liturgies on Instagram
Poem & Reflection - Read this beautiful piece written by Ana Blaedel from Enfleshed, an online platform for spiritual & collective liberation

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RESOURCES FOR COLLECTIVE ACTION

As we navigate what's next in fighting for abortion rights, here are a few ways you can take action in educating yourself and/or provide deeper care on the frontlines of this crisis.

"Let's Talk About Sex" Reproductive Justice Conference - Sister Song is a WoC Reproductive Health Collective and will be hosting their annual conference this August to strategize and deepen the work reproductive justice. Click here for more info on registration. To submit your proposal click here
After Abortion Counseling & Emotional Support - Join Exhale's curated network of pro-voice counselors by applying for their training program here. For other resources regarding abortion care, click here
Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice - Religious resources and program offerings for those looking to get involved in deeper advocacy work. Find out more here
Abortion Companion Trainings - See upcoming fall trainings from DOPO and Birthing Advocacy, two reproductive care networks that specialize in doula accompaniment