OWL: A Life-Affirming, Life-Saving Ministry for These Times
When I tell people I’m a minister, and they ask what denomination, I’m met with a range of reactions. Some say, “Unitarian Universalism? What is that?” Many will say, “Oh! Y’all are the people in the yellow love T-shirts I see at protests!” But it is not uncommon for someone to say, “Oh! The people with the good sex-ed program!” For over 25 years, UU congregations have been engaged in the life-saving, life-affirming ministry of offering comprehensive, inclusive, age appropriate sex education across the lifespan. This program, known as Our Whole Lives (or OWL) is co-published with the United Church of Christ and is offered in churches, schools, and communities around the country. The curriculum is grounded in the values of self-worth, sexual health, responsibility, justice and inclusion.
Many people who aren’t UU or UCC know about OWL because UU congregations who offer the programming often open the courses up to the broader community, beyond just the membership of the church. That’s exactly what we’re doing starting in November. Our Lifespan religious education director, Theo has been hard at work organizing an 8th and 9th grade OWL cohort that will begin November 8th and run for X weeks, meeting at First Church on Sunday Evenings. It’s open to any 8th and 9th graders in the greater North Shore community and you can find out more information and register here.
In my opinion, this is one of the most impactful and concrete ways UU congregations can serve our communities and advance our values in the broader world. In a society where so many of us have been taught to feel shame about our bodies, identities, and sexualities; where consent and clear communication in relationships aren’t always honored; where rates of sexual and gender based violence remain high; and where ideology often trumps science, this ministry is downright revolutionary. Sexuality education that affirms the identity of LGBTQ people of all ages, teaches consent and respect, and offers medically and scientifically accurate information and how to protect one’s health can be, quite literally, lifesaving. Our bodies, our autonomy, our agency, our sexuality, our pleasure, and our health are holy things and teaching people of all ages to honor these gifts is sacred and joyful work.
The news feels overwhelming right now. I know many of you have felt sickened by recent new stories about sexual assault on college campuses, by discriminatory attacks on the LGBTQ community (especially our trans and non-binary sibling), and by policies and rhetoric that devalue the life and humanity of anyone those in power deem “other.” It can be hard to know how to respond—how to actually make a difference. Supporting OWL is one small, but impactful and tangible way of changing our culture of shame, violence, and dehumanization. You can support the program by spreading the word about OWL, letting Theo know you’re interested in training to be a facilitator for a future cohort, or funding continued staffing and operations of programming like this through your pledges and donations.
I’m so excited and proud we’re able to offer this ministry to our greater community. I hope you are too!
In faith,
Rev. Danielle