October 12, 2014:

Ponderings of a Pilgrim Pastor

October 12, 2014

“Reverence for Life”

      One of the saintliest men I have ever known was Roman Catholic Archbishop Bernardin. He would have made a wonderful Pope (at least, to the mind of this Protestant!), but he died far too soon. We met while we were both serving on the board of a national inter-religious organization. While we had several conversations together, we never discussed our faith differences, although as I came to read his writings, I shared much in common with his vision of the Christian faith.

      “Joe” (as he wanted me to call him!) believed in what he called the seamless garment of life. Yes, he was opposed to abortion, but he also believed those holding that view should be far more responsible for children after they were born. He also strongly opposed war and all forms of human violence. He was also deeply opposed to capital punishment. For Joe, all life is precious both after as well as before birth.

      While I honor Joe’s commitment to life, I have great difficulty with the issue of abortion. I believe that the so-called “Morning After Pill” should be readily available and that women should have the legal right to a safe abortion for whatever reasons may seem right to them. I do have great reservations about abortion in the third trimester or abortion as a form of birth control. It seems to me that those intent on preventing  abortions altogether or making abortions so difficult to obtain that no woman could have the right to choose, are determined to punish women and children because of their harsh religious or political views. Shame on them for that. I urge you to think carefully about this before voting on the Amendment on November’s ballot. Personally, I do not believe that elected officials should be able to limit a woman’s right to choose. You may feel differently.

      For far too many girls and women, having another child will condemn them to a life of near poverty. As Joe might ask, “You are concerned for the “unborn.” Where is your concern for the “born?”

Love,

Dave