Catoctin Association | Central Atlantic Conference | United Church of Christ (UCC)

Our Thoughts: Is It More Than a Draft?

Our Thoughts: Is It More Than a Draft?

 

“ . . .just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.”Matthew 31-46 (40) – NRSV

 

A question that many of us are likely thinking about in light of Monday’s breaking news of a leaked draft of a majority opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito that would strike down Roe v. Wade. This is the historic Supreme Court decision in 1973 that made abortion constitutionally protected and a right in the U.S.

 

There has been a long, and sometimes violent, debate on this issue. And, there has been a continued campaign since 1973 to ban or severely limit access to safe abortion services. This is more than just an issue of Republican or Democrat, left or right, or even the latest issue that will captivate our attention and dominate the news cycle. This is an issue of faith. One, I believe, that calls us to support a women’s right to choose and support reproductive justice. And, to work to make sure this right is not infringed upon or denied in any way.

 

The United Church of Christ has supported a women’s right to choose and reproductive justice since the 1960s. You can learn more about some of our denomination’s work at https://www.ucc.org/reproductive-justice/. And I am happy to say that the UCC has not waver in its witness and justice action on this justice issue.

 

It is important to note that there are states, right now, on stand-by ready to enact laws after a Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade to restrict and deny protected access to abortion service. These are the same states that after the Supreme Court in Shelby County in 2013 gutted the most power­ful provi­sion in the Voting Rights Act of 1965, enacted laws to restrict and deny the right to vote. Thus under­min­ing a law regarded as the one of the most effect­ive pieces of civil rights legis­la­tion in Amer­ican history.

 

This reality should remind us that elections have consequences. Your vote, and the vote of those who often are the targets of voter suppression, matter. And that we are witnessing an concerted effort by white supremacist forces in this country who want to create an U.S. of old. 

 

I don’t believe that we should live in a country or world that prohibits women by law on what they can do with their body or healthcare. Such an action serves as an impetus to enslavement. Who are you, who are we to restrict anyone’s right to self determination or freedom. When did God make us rulers over others?

 

And, I don’t like to just be a witness to matters of injustice. In fact, the heart of who we are called to be as people of faith demands that we take action. 

 

Yes, there is an anticipated decision in June from the Supreme Court on Dobbs v. Jackson, a challenge to Mississippi’s 15-week ban on abortion. But until then, and thereafter, I hope that you do more than just be happy or content with our UCC’s historic witness and justice work on this issue.  

 

Why? Because yes, it is more than a draft.

Marvin Silver