A Message from Thomas, Our Bishop
Freedom in Jesus Christ: A Statement about the Supreme Court’s Decision
The Episcopal Church has stood on the side of women’s health, and for our mutual call to make sure abortions are safe and legal, since 1967. The Supreme Court’s decision is an occasion for us to strengthen this stance, and to join with others to help people in states where medical care will be restricted.
Opponents to abortion will always have legitimate, and I hope honorable, arguments about why it’s wrong. But their opposition doesn’t justify a Supreme Court who builds barriers to healthcare. In the Christian tradition we look to Jesus Christ to be the giver of freedom, to be the healer of all people and all things.
I’m reminded of the great Nelson Mandela, who once said, “…one who takes away freedom is a prisoner of hatred; and so I am never free if I’m taking away someone else’s freedom.”
The Episcopal Church in Maine, along with our partner churches and local communities, will continue advocating for freedom—freedom for people to make decisions about their health and their bodies, and the freedom given to Christians to live peaceably in the full and certain knowledge of Jesus Christ’s mercy, and his gift of amazing grace.