Here's a telling article about Roe v. Wade and the churches in the U. S.
We lead off with a "tolerant" pro-choice Episcopal priest:
The abortion rights movement needs support of churches to keep abortion legal, an Episcopal priest told a gathering of about 30 people, including several state legislators, on the eve of the 31st anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision.
"We must be active in every election and in every realm of government," said the Rev. Katherine Ragsdale, a Massachusetts priest who addressed Naral/Pro Choice Colorado at the Native American Trading Co., 1301 Bannock St.
Hmmm. Bush's faith-based programs: bad. Pro-choice Christian infiltration of every level of government: good. Yep. I see the logic.
Ragsdale said churches must join all aspects of the abortion-rights fight, including the blocking of so- called "conscience clauses" by physicians and medical personnel personally opposed to providing abortion services.
"We believe in conscience, but if you can't provide the full range (of services) choose another field," she said to applause.
That's right. Toleration: do it our way, or get lost. (Did you miss the journalistic bias? "So-called" conscience clauses. Ah, yes. Yes, yes, I know, it's an attributed comment from Ragsdale, but the reporter let it stand.)
Ragsdale called conservative evangelicals opposed to abortion "a small and wacko fringe" and said an abortion-rights stance is a natural position for a Christian.
Many denominations would disagree.
Among opponents of abortion are the Southern Baptist Convention - the largest Protestant denomination in the U.S. - and a number of evangelical Protestant churches and movements.
On this issue they are aligned with Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches.
These Christians say their opposition to abortion is based on Scripture, the writings of early Christians and "natural law," a canon of beliefs and taboos seen as instinctive to human nature.
Boy. That's what they're calling a small, wacko fringe? Jeez, I'd hate to see what a big rabid vast right-wing conspiracy would look like.
But, hey, here's a better picture of toleration:
Each year, as the Roe v. Wade anniversary approaches, a huge mailing on abortion prevention and post-abortion assistance goes out to 175,000 churches from the Colorado Springs offices of Focus on the Family.
The influential media and information powerhouse was founded in 1977 by Christian psychologist and child development expert James Dobson.
The sanctity and protection of human life, "from conception to natural death," is one of the founding pillars of the organization, which also supports 2,300 pregnancy crisis centers year-round with informational and research material.
The information is backed up by practical help to women in need, according to Julie Parton, manager of Focus' pregnancy resource ministry.
"The wound that has been left in a woman's soul by past abortion is something God wants to heal, and there are Bible studies and recovery groups and classes to facilitate that," Parton said.
Boy, the Tradition of the Church looks better and better every single day. One day, my family and I have got to become Orthodox!
Posted by Clifton at January 23, 2004 09:28 AM | TrackBackKR speaks as a person ordained in Jack Spong's tenure in the diocese of Newark. She speaks with the full faith and conviciton of her own experience as an "oppressed" lesbian seeking ordination in ECUSA. One should exect nothing less. She was formerly part of the Women's Ministry office at the Church Center and one of my former coworkers.
Posted by: Huw Raphael at January 23, 2004 07:38 PMI have some free advice for Rev Ragsdale. I believe in conscience, but if you can't adhere to the full range of Christian teaching choose another field.
Posted by: Bob at January 24, 2004 02:07 PMBob, your comment echoes a similar sentiment of C.S. Lewis and is positively spot on.
Posted by: aaron at January 26, 2004 01:24 PM