Living in Challenging Times: 

A Message from Bishop-elect Paula Clark

Dear Colleagues,

Earlier today, I made a statement on the U. S. Supreme Court’s deeply regrettable decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. This evening, I am writing about some of the potential challenges that we may face as a church that has long supported the right to an abortion.

Not long before the court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization was announced, the bishops of the Episcopal Church received an advisory from the Rev. Canon C. K. Robertson of the Presiding Bishop’s office. 

“We have received information from federal authorities of credible security threats against clergy and churches around the potential release by the US Supreme Court of its abortion decision,” he wrote. “There is concern that clergy who have advised parishioners about abortion access and their reproductive rights may face threats or violence.

“The guidance we are hearing is for religious communities to encourage peaceful responses to the decision when it comes—in the days following the decision and also in weeks to come –while remaining vigilant about potential security threats.” 

These can be worrisome words to read, but fortunately there are numerous resources we can draw on to protect our congregations and our people.

The White House’s Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships recommends the following steps:

1.    Sign up for HSIN (Homeland Security Information Network): Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN) | Homeland Security (dhs.gov)

2.    Explore the resources of the US government’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Protective Security Advisors program: Protective Security Advisors | CISA

3.    Sign Up for National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletins: National Terrorism Advisory System | Homeland Security (dhs.gov)

4.    Read CISA Resources on Mitigating Attacks on Houses of Worship Security Guide, and The Power of Hello, both of which are now on our website.

The Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships, a branch of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, may be a useful resource. The contact in our area is Bruno Dias, and he can be reached by phone at 763-344-3057.

Friends, we live in challenging times, and they will not become less challenging any time soon. Please make good use of these resources, continue to be hopeful and healing presences in your congregations and in your communities, and take special care of those who are devastated by today’s decision. If you have questions or concerns about today’s news or these resources, you can reach me via email. You are in my prayers, and I ask that you keep me in yours.

God’s Peace,

The Rev. Paula E. Clark, Bishop-Elect of Chicago