This paper challenges predominant assumptions and definitions presented in social movement literature about risk, activism, and social movement participation by examining the unique case of South Dakota pro-choice clergy. Whereas past research assumes that participation in social movement-related activities results in activist identity, this study shows that perceptions of risk, rather than social movement activities, determine whether or not these clergy join the social movement group, Pastors for Moral Choices, and whether or not they identify as activists. Further, I show that factors often credited with causing social movement participation may be the same factors used to justify not participating in social movements. Finally, I find that progressive clergy perceive multiple levels of risk within the conservative state of South Dakota, and they navigate these risks and advocate for reproductive rights by acting as "whistleblowers." Overall, this paper complicates social movement concepts and categories and seeks to challenge what is taken for granted in social movement research
