Involving the Faith Community in Teen Pregnancy Prevention

INVOLVING THE KEY PLAYERS42events and programs, or providingmeeting space for programactivities and special events.Define the relationshipIt is important for programs todefine the relationship betweentheir initiatives and the faithcommunity. Many questionsneed to be explored together:• How will the faith communitybe affiliated? Will it be anactive member? Does it preferto simply offer support froma distance?• Does the faith organizationfeel comfortable makingreferrals to other members ofthe coalition (where relevant)?Is it appropriate to makereferrals to the faith organization?For what services?• How much direction over thecharacteristics and growth ofthe community program doesthe faith group expect to provide?How will this directionhappen? Will representativesbe appointed to a governingboard, various committees,or both?This discussion helps establisha trusting, respectful, and clearrelationship. It also allowsprograms to get to know, andbe known better by, the faithcommunity.CASE IN POINTNational Black Religious Summiton SexualityAn extensive effort to increasethe capacity of churches to dealwith teen pregnancy is currentlybeing conducted by the NationalBlack Religious Summit onSexuality. In the summer of1997, over 250 people met inthe first Summit, which washosted by the Howard UniversitySchool of Divinity and sponsoredby the Religious Coalitionfor Reproductive Choice. TheSummit addressed issues ofsexuality, teen pregnancy prevention,and other matters ofreproductive health. Primarily itsought “to break the silence onpreviously taboo topics anddevelop a sound theologicalframework” from which toaddress sexuality issues withinchurches. This Summit is a valuableresource for facilitatingsimilar dialogues at the local orstatewide level. A secondSummit took place in 1998, andadditional Summits are planned.Videos and print materials areavailable from the 1997 Summit.