Why Does Consent Matter?
Why does consent matter? What are common myths about consent we need to let go? Discussions about the pervasiveness of sexual assault are more common in mainstream society. And there are multitudes of other ways consent is affirmed or brushed aside in our everyday lives. Faith leaders and justice activists say it’s time to talk about faithful consent. This is an opportunity for us to deeply examine where ideas about autonomy, safety, power, and intimacy intersect. Join us in creating a culture of consent!
Ready to initiate some radical deepening of the conversation among your family, friends and community?
Host a Consent Chat!
Use this small group discussion guide to create a safe, inviting environment for this important conversation.
Promote Healthy Relationships
Our Whole Lives (OWL) is a series of comprehensive sexuality education curricula. OWL provides an opportunity to learn about the boundaries of healthy relationships, all the way from kindergarten to older adults.
Shorter Clips & Exclusive Takes
- Why does consent matter? (Lama Rod Owens)
- How can men talk to other men about consent? (Matt Swoveland)
- How can we create more understanding about consent? (Lily Luo)
- How do your Unitarian Universalist values relate toconsent? (Katy Campbell)
- Why is it important to talk to your teen about consent? (Rev. Susan Chorley)
More information about this project...
What is the Unitarian Universalist Association?
Faithful Consent is a video project by the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), the central organization for the Unitarian Universalist (UU) religious movement in the United States. Unitarian Universalists affirm and promote seven Principles, grounded in the world's religions. Our spirituality draws from scripture and science, nature and philosophy, personal experience and ancient tradition as described in our six Sources. For more information, visit uua.org/beliefs.
Why did the Unitarian Universalist Association produce Faithful Consent?
The UUA has a commitment to sexuality education that centers autonomy, empowerment, fluidity, and consent. We affirm this commitment through Our Whole Lives (OWL), our comprehensive, lifespan sexuality education curricula for use in both secular settings and faith communities. OWL dismantles stereotypes and assumptions, builds self-acceptance and self-esteem, fosters healthy relationships, improves decision making, and has the potential to save lives. OWL is a joint project between the UUA and the United Church of Christ. For more information about OWL, visit uua.org/re/owl.
The UUA has four justice priorities, including: criminalization, electoral justice, climate justice, and LGBTQ+/Gender Justice. This video highlights themes related to the UUA's LGBTQ+/Gender Justice work.