Staying in the Moment
Let's not let this moment go unnoticed. Let's find ways to demonstrate the true universal and unconditional love God offers all.
I find it hard to think of anything other than the leak from the Supreme Court regarding the overturning of Roe v. Wade. We all knew there would be lasting consequences to a more conservative administration. This one could be detrimental to women’s health across the country. The U.S. already has the highest maternal mortality rate among developed nations. We do not do a good job with women’s health and if abortion is criminalized again, more women’s lives will be at risk.
No one loves the idea of abortion. However, we all know what happens when abortion isn’t available to women who are not in a position to give birth (for any number of reasons). Neither church nor government should determine what is right for any woman. It’s a personal decision that has a myriad of levels. Whose rights are next to be abolished if the Supreme Court moves forward with this?
I can’t help but see the influence of a literal, legalistic Christianity on this “opinion” from the Supreme Court. In this moment, much rests on public voice. If we aren’t comfortable advocating for women’s rights, think about your own rights. If this sitting Court is against abortion, it is likely against gay marriage, Trans* rights, and the rights of BIPOC folx.
This is about more than abortion. Progressive church has an opportunity to embody Divine Love in the public sphere. We have a chance to bring love into a wrongly politicized situation. We have a chance to proclaim God’s love for women, for Queer and Trans* folx, for BIPOC folx, and for every marginalized and multiply-marginalized person.
Let’s not let this moment go unnoticed. Let’s find ways to demonstrate the true universal and unconditional love God offers all.
About Rachael Keefe
Rev. Dr. Rachael Keefe is the pastor of Living Table United Church of Christ. She was called to Living Table in 2015 after serving in many varied ministry settings since her ordination in 1992. She holds graduate degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary and Andover Newton Seminary at Yale (formerly Andover Newton Theological School). Her ministry and leadership often center around advocacy and accessibility. Her writing has been published by Chalice Press, The Christian Century, Red Letter Christians, Working Preacher, RevGalBlogPals, and others. She is grateful to be in ministry with Living Table today.
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