Faith Collaborations
Motus Theater collaborates with faith leaders across the country to step into the shoes of our Motus monologists by reading aloud their stories.
We are currently touring two Motus projects. We are partnering with faith organizations to read aloud our UndocuAmerica monologues in a series called Welcoming the Stranger/ We Were Strangers, featuring the stories of Motus’ undocumented monologists. And we are partnering with faith organizations to read aloud our JustUs monologues, featuring the stories of monologists who are formerly incarcerated.
Motus hosts Zoom presentations in collaboration with faith organizations where a leader from that organization reads aloud the personal stories of a Motus monologist and reflects on the impact of stepping into their shoes. The story and reflection are accompanied by a musical response selected for each story and congregation to create a space of sacred reflection.
These strategic collaborations with faith leaders invite congregations to get to know people who are undocumented (UndocuAmerica monologists), or people who are formerly incarcerated (JustUs monologists), through powerful stories from their lives. Listeners will be inspired by the courage of these stories, while also learning about the impact of immigration policies or the criminal legal system.
“I think God hides God's self in other people. That's learning other people's stories. Doing a treasure hunt for God and for God's love and for grace. Even to the extent of loving enemies. Personally, I think that that's the call of Christ.”
— Reverend Pedro Silva, First Congregational UCC - Boulder, CO
“God's presence comes close based on how we take care of each other.”
— Rabbi Fred Greene, Congregation Har HaShem
Schedule Yours Today
We can tailor our presentations to your organization’s needs and have a variety of monologues and musicians that can connect to your existing faith calendar and social justice programming. If you are interested in bringing a Motus Theater presentation to your organization please contact us to learn more!
In the last year, Motus has partnered with 32 faith leaders from 11 states. Below are links to Zoom video recordings of some of the Bishops, rabbis, ministers and community leaders reading Motus monologues for their conferences, congregations or community:
"Motus Theater's work is brilliant and breathtaking in its elevation of our consciousness through the telling of immensely powerful stories that desperately need to be heard and absorbed so that we can bring our awareness and our activism to the plight of people who live in fear. Women of Resolution honors the undocumented women whose painful voices we hear in a rich and engaging program that calls us to empathy and action."
— Rabbi Marc Soloway
North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church - North Carolina
On February 25, 2021 Bishop Hope Morgan Ward and Corridor Superintendent Mike Frese read aloud Armando Peniche’s autobiographical story of racial profiling experienced by a 12-year old boy, and the danger of slanderous rhetoric to an undocumented man and his American son. (Watch)
Congregation Har HaShem - Colorado
On August 26, 2020 Rabbi Fred Greene read aloud Alejandro Fuentes-Mena’s autobiographical story of hard work, familial love, and his journey to becoming one of the first two DACAmented teachers in the country. (Watch)
Faith Matters Network Disciples of Welcome - National
On October 7, 2020 Reverend Keith Daniel and Reverend Susan Chorely read aloud Laura Peniche’s autobiographical story that is an open letter to her fellow Christians. (Watch)
B’nai Shalom - Colorado
On September 10, 2020 Anna Hanson, Jessica Hersh, Charna Rosenholtz and Rabbi Rosalie M. Osian, Chaplain read aloud the stories of four women who sought sanctuary to prevent being deported and separated from their families. (Watch)
Mountain Sky Conference of the United Methodist Church - Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Montana, Colorado, Idaho
On March 28, 2021 Bishop Karen Oliveto and Reverend Jeff Rainwater read aloud Cristian Solano Cordova’s autobiographical story of enduring courage in the journey across the border, through threats, and towards liberty. (Watch)
The Episcopal Church in Colorado - Colorado
On September 24, 2020 Episcopal Bishop of Colorado, Kym Lucas; Lutheran minister and public theologian, Nadia Bolz-Weber; author and national lecturer, Celene Lillie; and Colorado State House Representative, Leslie Herod read aloud the stories of four women who sought sanctuary to prevent being deported and separated from their families. (Watch)
National Justice for our Neighbors - Arizona, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Texas
On October 28, 2020 four monologues were read by special guest readers: Claudia Marchan, the E.D. of Northern Illinois JFON; Alba Jaramillo, the E.D. of Arizona JFON; Rev. Mark Salvacion, the E.D. of Delaware Valley JFON (currently located in PA) and the Pastor of Historic St. George’s United Methodist Church in Old City Philadelphia; and Rev. Dr. Will Reed, the Board Chair for the Houston JFON and Pastor of the First United Methodist Church, Pasadena. (Watch)
First Congregational United Church of Christ - Colorado
On June 12, 2020 Reverend Pedro Silva read aloud Alejandro Fuentes-Mena’s autobiographical story of hard work, familial love, and his journey to becoming one of the first two DACAmented teachers in the country. (Watch)
B’nai Havurah - Colorado
On March 17, 2021 Hal Aqua and Carla Sciaky, the Music Director and Shabbat musician at B’nai Havurah, read aloud Alejandro Fuentes Mena’s autobiographical story of hard work and familial love. (Watch)