Introduction

The Speakeasy is a gathering for unfiltered conversations on faith and justice. At each gathering, we invite a special guest to share their personal experiences and stories in conversation around a particular topic or issue related to faith and justice. We hope these events inspire empathy, foster common ground, and cultivate deeper connections in our community and beyond.

This month, we welcomed The Rev. Katey Zeh (she/her) to help us navigate the intersection of faith and reproductive justice. The Rev. Brent Levy and Katey explored this complex intersection, discussing the historical and current challenges faced by those advocating for reproductive freedom within religious contexts.

The Rev. Katey Zeh is an ordained Baptist minister and the Chief Executive Officer of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (RCRC). The Center for American Progress named her one of their top justice-seeking faith leaders to watch for her work on reproductive freedom. Rev. Katey has written for many outlets, including the Washington Post, Sojourners, Religion News Services, and Religion Dispatches, and she regularly appears in the media, including The Atlantic, CNN, The Nation, BBC, NBC News, Newsweek, and The Christian Century. She is the co-creator of the Kindreds podcast and the author of two books, A Complicated Choice: Making Space for Grief and Healing in the Pro-Choice Movement and Women Rise Up: Sacred Stories of Resistance for Today’s Revolution.

🎧 Audio Version:

What You’ll Learn:

• The role of faith communities in the reproductive justice movement
• Rev. Katey Zeh’s personal journey from growing up in Georgia to becoming a leading voice in reproductive freedom
• How abortion became a coded and contentious polarizing issue
• The historical involvement of religious leaders in supporting reproductive rights before Roe v. Wade
• How to navigate the complexities of supporting reproductive justice as a person of faith
• The importance of storytelling and empathy in understanding the diverse experiences of those who seek reproductive healthcare

How It Will Help You:

• Gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between faith and reproductive rights
• Learn how to engage in compassionate conversations about reproductive justice in your community
• Discover ways to support reproductive health care providers and those seeking care
• Find inspiration to live into your values and advocate for change in a way that aligns with your faith

Where to Learn More:

• Visit the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice website to learn more about their work and resources
• Check out Rev. Katey Zeh’s books, A Complicated Choice: Making Space for Grief and Healing in the Pro-Choice Movement and Women Rise Up: Sacred Stories of Resistance for Today’s Revolution.

This conversation was recorded in front of a live audience at The Plant in Pittsboro, NC, on April 14, 2024. To learn more about Katey Zeh and the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, visit rcrc.org. To learn more about The Local Church, visit our website or connect with us on Instagram.