Preaching about Roe

Many sound frequencies and words in ink have been spilled on SCOTUS's action last week. I grit my teeth--today, what can I say that has not been said. As a physician I have seen the pain and anguish that comes with abortion decisions. I have seen the lack of support our society provides for mothers going it alone, trying to extricate themselves from an abusive relationship, the scars of rape, etc. I have seen the commitment of physicians and nurses to the safe abortions and making a traumatic procedure as kind as possible. Over the decades, related to the issue of choice, I've participated in protests, testified before governmental bodies, written letters to the editor, walked past protesters to give lectures at Planned Parenthood. I am tired.

When the rector at the Episcopal church where I go stepped down from the rostrum this past Sunday and said that he needed to address what the SCOTUS decision, but wanted to do it from the floor, not the pulpit, a chill rippled up the back of my neck. I'd heard enough anti-abortion/pro-life sermons from the Catholic church as a youth, not here, not from this Episcopalian rector. The needle he was threading had a narrow eye.

He started: "When men in power make decisions, it is usually women and children who suffer."

True, I said to my self.

He continued: "In states like RI that support women, it is the children who need care. And in states like Texas, where I'm from, the women are in need of care."

A silent sigh of relief. I could agree with what he said. A lot more caring and financial support was needed for families and single parents and their children trying to go it alone.

He continued: "As people of faith, we are called to care." And then he concluded with something like I am not here to ask or examine your stand on this difficult issue, but as Christians we can agree on the need for care and that we have a lot of work to do.

May you find your path of caring as we negotiate this new and difficult world.