Local Clergy to Offer Faith Based Pregnancy Options Counseling

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Clergy Dicuss Options Counseling

ALBANY (10/07/2009)(readMedia)-- Seven local clergy recently participated in an "All Options Clergy Counseling" training program provided by Mathew Westfox, Interfaith Coordinator of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, and sponsored by Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood. While all of those who completed the training will now have additional resources to offer their own congregants and community members; six will also join a growing list of clergy referrals for UHPP patients who indicate a desire for faith-based counseling when facing an unwelcome or problem pregnancy.

Attending the all day training on October 6 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Albany were Rev. Miriam Lawrence Leupold, First Presbyterian Church in Albany; Rev. Alezandra Lusak, First Presbyterian Church in Troy; Rev. Nina Nichols and Janet Douglass of United Methodist Christ Church in Troy; Diane Marquit, pastor at United Methodist in Castleton-on-Hudson; and Rev. Kim Singletary, Berkshire Farm Center in Canann.

Those attending cited a variety of reasons. Rev. Kim Singletary wanted "to help prepare myself for discussing reproductive issues and experiences with my congregation in an affirming and empowering way." Janet Douglass felt "these issues have cropped up sporadically but continually in my thirty years in church leadership." All were very pleased with the training. Rev. Lusak appreciated "the opportunity to become better informed about a complex, important and pastorally essential skill" while Rev. Trumbore found "good conversation about rituals" and "good recommendations for resources." Rev. Nichols appreciated the opportunity to connect with Planned Parenthood and local colleagues.

Patricia McGeown, President/CEO of Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood also felt the day was very successful. "We continue to place the needs of our patients first and want to be sure that we can offer them the resources, support and information they need to make informed choices when facing unplanned pregnancies. We added a strong new group to our list of referrals today, and also made wonderful connections for increasing local clergy participation in education and advocacy for reproductive health and justice."