The Religious Institute Needs Your Help

So, I don't do this very often, but I feel strongly enough about the work of the organization I'm going to write about to make a financial appeal to you, dear readers.

The Religious Institute is an organization that advocates and educates for sexual health and justice in the religious and political spheres. The Rev. Debra Haffner is their executive director, a wise woman, and one of those women I hope I become when I'm all grown up. I've been deeply formed by her writings, her speakings, and our (limited but powerful) personal correspondence. The work of the Religious Institute shapes what I do as a minister teaching sexuality education, and as a sexuality educator open to the spiritual dimensions of sex.

No one does quite what Debra and the staff of the Religious Institute do, and their work is vital. Rev. Haffner has taken on Bill O'Reilly and others over the years, reminding him and his audience that there is a broader view to human sexuality than the narrowness promoted by, say, some of the current presidential candidates. You can see why she's influenced me!

If you don't already know, they are in a crazy financial bind because their fiscal agent has, basically, taken them to the cleaners. Obviously, "Christian Community, Inc." is no longer their fiscal agent - but they do need money to keep the doors open. They have a new fiscal agent and are working on securing their 501(c)3 status so this sort of thing doesn't happen again.

Would you be willing to donate $5, $25, $50, $100 or even $500 to them? I gave $20, which is what I can right now. If 4 more of you do the same, that will bring them $100 closer to their goal. Read this post and then give as you are moved to give. The work they do is urgent. The need they face is critical. We can make a difference.