A Pastoral Letter Regarding the Recent Supreme Court Ruling
Dear Rez,
You have, no doubt, heard that recently, the Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade, returning the question of abortion rights to the state level. This was a significant decision in our nation, and its effects will certainly continue to emerge in the weeks and months to come.
Our church holds a commitment, along with other Anglicans, “to promote and respect the sanctity of every human life from conception to natural death.” This is why we pray for the unborn every week in our Prayers of the People. We recognize this ruling as a step in the direction of increased legal protections for the unborn. And we also recognize that, for many, this ruling is received with a sense of heaviness, as it serves to highlight the disparities and particular challenges faced by women in our country.
Given all of this, I want to share a few brief reflections:
The realities surrounding this ruling are complex, and we need to engage the complexity with compassion as a church, especially as it relates to how women are viewed and treated in our society. This is a moment for us to soberly and seriously consider this complexity as we navigate the road ahead, and to consider what concrete acts of justice and mercy might look like as we seek to support the lives of women, who uniquely shoulder the burden of choices and changes caused by unplanned pregnancies.
Within all of this complexity, we recognize that there may be differences of opinion on this ruling among some in our own congregation. As with a variety of other issues that can lead to division, we ask that there would be a commitment to unity, compassion, humility, and respect as we listen to and engage one another. We follow Jesus together in this way.
I remain unconvinced that, on the whole, Christians in our nation have offered a compelling witness to the world that every life is sacred and to be honored and valued. We have not been consistent in our affirmation of the dignity and sanctity of life from conception to natural death. The path forward requires that we actively seek to promote the sanctity and thriving of all human life, including the lives of all of the women who bring children into this world.
An Anglican colleague recently reflected a sentiment that resonates with me deeply: this ruling reflects a battle that was badly won. The path to overturning Roe vs. Wade is one that is marked by its own accommodations to unjust means and coercive forces. As I preached a few Sundays back on the encounter with the Samaritan town, the ends never justify the means for Jesus. The kingdom of God is never brought about by violence or coercion. Our path forward must reflect the character of Jesus, full of compassion and mercy.
Let us be the church that embodies Christ’s unfailing love as we navigate the complexities of our world with courage and compassion.
If you are feeling troubled by these developments in any way, and feel that speaking with clergy would help you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
As we receive and continue to process this development, I invite you to join me in the following prayer:
O God, Creator and Sustainer of all life, our hearts are at once hopeful and heavy.
We pray for the women and families who are afraid and hurting, especially within our own community and body, that you would comfort them. Comfort us.
We pray for the Church, that she would be found neither hiding nor gloating, but, in humility, that she would keep her ears and heart open and her hands ready; that she would love justice, do mercy, and walk humbly with her God.
God, grant us the courage and grace to walk alongside one another and our community as we seek the dignity and welfare of women and children created in your image.
Give us strength to hold space for suffering, differences of opinion, and complexity.
May this church be a people of allegiance to and passion for you, Jesus, a people of healing and hope, of grace and welcome, of love and truth. Amen.
Grace and peace,
Ryan+
*Grateful for a few Anglican colleagues who influenced this letter: to the Rev. Heather Ghormley for her recent sermon on the topic, to the Rev. Sarah Smith for the prayer, and to the Rev. Courtney Greene for her help in putting it all together.
