Chalice Chick and I Discuss the Role of Religious Groups in Politics

Over at the ChaliceBlog, CC and I are having a lively conversation about whether or not UU congregations and the denomination as a whole should engage in political activity. Please check it out and add your comments:

Chalice Chick’s original post is entitled "Standing on the Side of Keeping Religion Out of Schools," and addresses Sinkford’s call for Unitarian Universalists to advocate for comprehensive sexuality education.

My comment in response to her posting can be found in the comments on that story (scroll down to find).

Chalick Chick wrote a follow-up post entitled, "More On Keeping (Even My) Religion Out of the Schools."

My second comment, in response, can be found again in the comments on that story (scroll down).

If you would like to join the discussion, please comment at the ChaliceBlog (or, for the publicity-shy, e-mail me at shelby [at] promisethechildrenuu.org).
 

Posted by Shelby on 09/22/06  •  Permalink  •  Comments 0   •  

Putting Sexuality Education in a Larger Framework

Hurray for Bill Sinkford! In the fall issue of the UUWorld, the Unitarian Universalist Association’s president calls on our denomination to step up our promotion of comprehensive sexuality education. Rev. Sinkford writes:

“We all come into this world as expressions of the great creative force that shapes the universe, the force that many call God. Theologically, UUs see sexuality as one of God’s greatest gifts. We express our sexuality best when we’re ethically and morally grounded, so responsible sexuality education is about much more than just biology and rules: It is about values, including self-worth, sexual health, responsibility, justice and inclusivity, and communication.”

Using these shared values as a jumping-off point, UU’s should also consider comprehensive sexuality education as part of the larger array of teen sexuality issues. Teenage women’s access to reproductive health care (including abortion, emergency contraception, and birth control) has long been under attack. The conservative pro-life movement has gone after the rights of those who are most vulnerable: teenagers and children. Youth under the age of 18 are often seen as politically impotent (because they are not able to vote), and incapable of making responsible choices. As long as teenagers are framed in this way, there will be ample opposition to comprehensive sexuality education, reproductive rights for teenagers, and basic health measures such as the HPV vaccine. We as Unitarian Universalists have the opportunity to present a more accurate view of youth: as caring, capable, responsible and politically organized!

Posted by Shelby on 09/19/06  •  Permalink  •  Comments 0   •  

Back-to-School News: Life-Saving Vaccine For Girls Promoted

The HPV vaccine is life-saving: it reduces the transmission of the human papilloma virus, an infection that can lead to cervical cancer. This past June, the Food and Drug Administration approved the vaccine for women ages 9 to 26.

But it may be a long road from FDA approval to widespread vaccination of girls. There is opposition from conservative religious groups, as well as nervousness from parents unsure about how to discuss the vaccine with their daughters.

This week’s news highlighted some of the positive initiatives to promote HPV vaccination.

From CNN:

“LANSING, Michigan (AP)—Michigan girls entering the sixth grade next year would have to be vaccinated against cervical cancer under legislation backed Tuesday by a bipartisan group of female lawmakers.

The legislation is the first of its kind in the United States, said Republican state Sen. Beverly Hammerstrom, lead sponsor.

The vaccine was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in June for use in girls and women and has been hailed as a breakthrough in cancer prevention. It prevents infections from some strains of the sexually transmitted human papilloma virus, which can cause cervical cancer and genital warts…

A government advisory panel said that ideally, the vaccine should be given before girls become sexually active.

The American Cancer Society estimates that cervical cancer will be diagnosed in 9,700 women nationwide, and that 3,700 will die.

‘We believe we can save the lives of these girls,’ Hammerstrom said.”

Legislation requiring vaccinations of girls could raise awareness of the vaccine and reduce the incidence of cervical cancer.
The bill also includes a conscience clause allowing parents to choose not to vaccinate their children.

For parental guardians unsure of how to discuss the vaccine with their children, the Associated Press article "HPV Vaccine Creates Parental Challenge" describes healthy conversations between girls, doctors and parents.

Posted by Shelby on 09/16/06  •  Permalink  •  Comments 0   •