Letters To My Daughters

A virtual monthly study companion that will examine the intersection of faith and advocacy as it relates to the social conditions of women, girls, and femmes.

Overview

Rooted in the understanding that our sense of activism is often passed down from those who come before us, Letters to My Daughters will explore models of advocacy informed by the lived experiences of the mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, cousins, and mentors who nurture us.

This season of Letters to My Daughters will explore the maternal mortality crisis and how the faith community can advocate for passage of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act.

This study is open to everyone! You may participate individually or as a group.

Announcements

Read the Full Announcement

Module 1 - “Let’s Talk About the Intersection of Faith and Advocacy”

In this session we introduced the concept of Letters to My Daughters and joined Lauren Reliford, Political Director of Sojourners to talk about the status of the Black maternal mortality crisis.

Sacred Text and Additional Reading:

• 1 Corinthians 12 (NRSV)
• United Methodist Resolution #3203 – Maternal Health: The Church’s Role
• The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act

Module 2 - “Fighting for Care in the Pursuit of Mothering”

In this session we are joined by Bishop Robin Dease, episcopal leader of the North Georgia Annual Conference, to discuss how she has used her body as a means of resistance throughout her journey with uterine fibroids.

Sacred Text and Additional Reading:

• New Fibroids Policy Must Be Part of the Black Maternal Health Agenda (The Century Foundation)
• 2 Samuel 21: 1 – 14 (NRSV)
• When Momma Speaks: The Bible and Motherhood from a Womanist Perspective

Module 3 - “The Social and Spiritual Determinants of Maternal Health”

In this session we are joined by Dr. Fleda Mask Jackson as she discusses her research on specific factors that contribute to poor maternal health outcomes and how we, as people of faith, might be able to mitigate such factors.

Action Alert: Tell Congress to Support Equitable Structures For Maternal Health - The CARE for Moms Act

Module 4 - “Maternal Health Across the Diaspora”

In this session we are joined by Deaconess Leah Wandera to discuss the realities of maternal health through the lens of Leah’s lived experiences as a young woman born and raised in Busia County, the Western region of Kenya.

Sacred Text and Additional Reading:

• Matthew 15: 21 – 28 (NRSV)

Remaining Virtual Sessions

Module 5 - Monday December 4, 2023 at 7:00pm EST https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81034143125