UUs Gather in Washington to Support the March for Women's Lives

(Washington DC, April 23, 2004) Thousands of Unitarian Universalists are converging on the nation's capital for what promises to be the largest pro-choice demonstration in our country's history. The April 25 March for Women's Lives, which is co-sponsored by the Feminist Majority , NARAL Pro-Choice America , the National Organization for Women , and Planned Parenthood Federation of America , is also supported by a number of other progressive organizations and religious groups.

Activities sponsored by faith groups and the major supporters of the march began last week, and have increased in number. Today's events included an Interfaith Prayer Breakfast with the Rev. Dr. James Forbes and other religious leaders. Tomorrow, over 120 doctors, lawyers, activists, volunteers and community leaders from more than 50 countries will gather to speak out on behalf of the millions of women around the world who can not speak for themselves around issues of abortion rights and reproductive health.

• Photos of the April 24th rally at Dupont Circle, Washington DC

Beginning Saturday morning, UU Youth and Young Adults will conduct their own conference at the Omni Shoreham Hotel. At 5:30, all UUs are invited to All Souls Church , the flagship UU congregation of Washington DC, for a dinner and ingathering program with UUA Moderator Gini Courter, to be followed by a presentation entitled, "Carrying the Fire: Voices for Women's Lives," featuring former Senator and presidential candidate Carol Moseley Braun and UUA President William Sinkford. Later Saturday evening, UUs will gather at the Capital Mall Reflecting Pool for an interfaith candlelight vigil . UU participation in the vigil will be led by Rev. Meg Riley, Director of UUA Advocacy and Witness, and a host of lay and ordained leaders from across the country.

• Photos of the UU ingathering at All Souls Church
• Photos of Carol Mosely Braun at All Souls Church and Prayer Vigil

On Sunday, Rev. Sinkford will join Rev. Carlton Vezey of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice for an Interfaith Worship Service, "Prayerfully Pro-Choice," on the National Mall, while the Rev. Rebecca Parker, President of Starr King School for the Ministry , joins the Rev. Robert Hardies to lead worship at All Souls Church for march attendees. Marchers will then move to the Mall and rally through the afternoon.

Additional coverage will be offered at this site through the weekend, and the All Souls worship service will be videotaped for webcasting at a later date.

Read our complete coverage of the March for Women's Lives>>

-- Reported by Deborah Weiner; photograph by Nancy Pierce/UUA.

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