Greetings!
We predicted the decision from the supreme Court, which today overturned Roe v. Wade, yet many of us have received this news with shock and dismay.
The overturning of Roe v. Wade puts lives at risk. This will disproportionately impact poor and marginalized people. It opens the door to overturning the rulings relating to right of privacy, contraception, and rights for LGBTQ people.
This is a challenging time for our nation, today’s news only exacerbates the many crises we are facing. This season in American history will be remembered as a challenging time for women, for LGBTQ people, for people of color, for people living in poverty, and for anyone who finds themselves on the margins.
In this challenging time, we need one another more than ever. Now is not the time to throw our hands up and give in to feelings of powerlessness. We can take time to lament, but eventually our lamentations must transform into action. Together, we can make real change and we can do it with compassion and love.
I understand that not everyone agrees on every aspect of reproductive freedom. The Dobbs decision is a divisive issue and we do not want to be divisive. Yet we also acknowledge our own consistent messaging that solidarity is discipleship. I am asking you to stand in solidarity with women, with LGBTQ people, with all who are marginalized, and with all who recognize that their lives and basic human rights are at risk. This is what it means when we say that solidarity is discipleship.
You are loved,
Rev. Jakob
p.s. Our air conditioner has been repaired! It has been a very warm week at MCC Tampa, but as of this afternoon, the AC is up and running! Thank you for your support and patience!
