Diverse reactions to reversal of Roe from US Christian Denominations
by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) – The Christian Post has compiled a detailed and comprehensive report on the reactions of US Christian denominations to the news that on June 24 the Supreme Court withdrew the federal right to abortion it conferred in the 1973 landmark case of Roe v Wade. Below are excerpts of statements made by a number of the major denominations reacting to the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization.
The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention said: “The release of the Dobbs decision marks a true turning point in the pro-life movement, a moment that Christians, advocates, and many others have worked toward tirelessly for 50 years. Their commitment to uphold human dignity and justice has achieved the most significant victory in the history of the pro-life movement.”
The Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) attested: “The inherent value of human life is revealed in the Scriptures, and this biblical commitment is reflected in the Anglican Church in North America’s Constitution and Canons which calls all members and clergy ‘to promote and respect the sanctity of every human life from conception to natural death (Title II.8.3).'”
Condemning the ruling, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America said: “Many now find their moral agency restricted because federal law no longer guarantees access to legal and safe abortion,” Eaton wrote. “They already face difficult moral questions, and the Supreme Court decision only adds to their anguish.”‘
Expressing concern for both women and unborn children, the United Methodist Church (UMC) said: “Through our prayerful advocacy and witness we as a church affirm that, ‘we are equally bound to respect the sacredness of the life and well-being of the mother and the unborn child. We recognize tragic conflicts of life with life that may justify abortion, and in such cases, we support the legal option of abortion under proper medical procedures by certified medical providers.'”
The Episcopal Church expressed grief at the decision: “We as a church have tried carefully to be responsive both to the moral value of women having the right to determine their healthcare choices as well as the moral value of all life. Today’s decision institutionalizes inequality because women with access to resources will be able to exercise their moral judgment in ways that women without the same resources will not.”
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) rejoiced at the news: “America was founded on the truth that all men and women are created equal, with God-given rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”This truth was grievously denied by the U.S. Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade ruling, which legalized and normalized the taking of innocent human life. We thank God today that the Court has now overturned this decision,” they added. “We pray that our elected officials will now enact laws and policies that promote and protect the most vulnerable among us,” the Conference said in their statement.
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