The following is from the fact sheet of the Religious Coalition
for Abortion Rights, 100 Maryland Ave. N.E., Suite 307, Washington,
D.C. 20002:

*  The Religious Coalition for Abortion Rights (RCAR) is a national,
nonprofit, nonpartisan coalition of Protestant, Jewish, and other
faith groups committed to the preservation of our religious liberty
as it relates to reproductive freedom.

* RCAR was formed by ten denominations and faith groups in 1973 as
a response to efforts aimed at overturning the landmark Supreme Court
decision Roe v. Wade.  Most of our denominations and faith groups
have held pro-choice positions for a number of years -- and worked
for the reform of restrictive state laws prior to 1973.  RCAR is
currently comprised of 35 denominations and faith groups who have
adopted pro-choice positions.

* Because each denomination and faith group represented in RCAR
approaches reproductive rights issues -- particularly the issue of
abortion -- from the unique perspective of its own theology, members
hold widely varying viewpoints as to when abortion is morally
justified.  It is exactly this plurality of beliefs which leads us
to the conviction that the abortion decision must remain with the
individual, to be made on the basis of conscience and personal
principles, free from government interference.

*  We hold in high respect the value of potential human life and
do not take the issue of abortion lightly.  We view women as
responsible moral decision makers, capable of choosing the most
suitable option when faced with a problem pregnancy.  We encourage
women to make these choices in consultation with their families,
their clergy, and their doctors.

* RCAR works to preserve reproductive and religious freedom through
four programs:  state affiliate, communications, women of color
partnership, and legislative.

*  We believe that our role within the pro-choice movement is
CRITICAL AND UNIQUE.  As the only national pro-choice organization
comprised of diverse faith groups, it is RCAR's role to respond to
the religiously-based arguments of the opposition.  Within our
member faith groups alone, we have the potential for reaching
millions of people and mobilizing the to action.

Kim Storment to Steve Crager (quoted)