I am filled with sadness and anger. This is an attack on human rights, on bodily autonomy. Men would never allow for laws like this to be passed about male bodies. The majority does not support this ruling, but we are in a country where minority rule is a reality because of unfair systems of voting and representation.
I am in Portland, Oregon, far from my home and my congregation. While far from home, I am with my people – surrounded by my people, in the stronghold of my people, the heart of the core of Unitarian Universalist power. Our power is in loving and supporting one another, in being courageous in the face of injustice. Where injustice is present, love looks like protest and resistance.
To all who read this message, I invite you first to take care of yourself. If the outrage and grief are overwhelming, reach out for love and support. You are not in this alone. When you are ready, I invite you to express yourself through action. In Michigan, one important action is to sign the reproductive rights petition, supporting the Michigan Right to Reproductive Freedom Initiative.
I reach out in love to all: women, men, transgender and non-binary adults--and to children. This ruling is a blow to freedom and justice. Let us hold one another in love and strengthen each other in our work for justice.
PRAYER:
Divine Presence, Mother Father God, Spirit of Life:
We hear this news with sadness and outrage. May the feelings flow through us and not get stuck in a place where they harm us. May lamentation cleanse our spirits for the work to come, the work of love and justice. May outrage turn to resolve.
We affirm that all people are blessed, that all people are worthy, that all bodies are sacred, that all people deserve love and care for their bodies and their spirits—in exactly the ways that they choose.
With faith in the power of humanity to build a better world through love,
Amen. Blessed Be.
Rev. Andrew Frantz
June 24, 2022