Yesterday the voters in Kansas voted to affirm the legal right to abortion—by a surprising 60-40 margin in a traditionally conservative state. Abortion rights are strongly supported by Unitarian Universalists. This summer, 99% of General Assembly voters approved the reproductive rights statement that includes this language:
Our Unitarian Universalist faith affirms that all of our bodies are sacred, and that we are each endowed with the twin gifts of agency and conscience. Each of us should have the power to decide what does and doesn’t happen to our bodies at every moment of our lives because consent and self determination are holy. In the words of SisterSong, the Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective, we unequivocally support every person’s right
· To maintain personal bodily autonomy
· To have children
· To not have children
· To parent children in safe and sustainable communities
…and goes on to frame reproductive justice in terms of freedom from oppression:
Controlling people’s bodies during pregnancy is about enforcing white supremacy, patriarchy, and ruling-class power. Historically, those most affected by reproductive oppression have not been centered. Again, as advocated by SisterSong, we must:
· Analyze power systems
· Address intersecting oppressions
· Center the most marginalized
· Join together across issues and identities
It is expected that Michigan voters will be asked to consider abortion rights in November, just as voters in Kansas did yesterday. I believe that UU’s can and should act on their religious and moral convictions to advocate for issues in electoral politics. The national effort called “UU the Vote” puts the organizing power of our religious institution into such efforts.
I felt joy and relief upon hearing the results from Kansas. The overturning of Roe v. Wade was disheartening, and it is wonderful to get some good news for a change. I also reflect that these issues are not absolute and black-and-white. When I get pulled into an “us versus them” mindset, when I start thinking that those who disagree with me on issues like abortion are evil people, I need to remind myself to take a broader perspective. All people deserve love. All people want to feel safe. I want to keep struggling against unjust laws, and I want to do so with love and joy in my heart.
PRAYER:
Spirit of Infinite Life and Love, Bringer of Blessings:
Bestow your blessings of Joy, Love, Comfort and Belonging on those 6 out of 10 Kansas voters who affirmed the right to abortion yesterday
Bestow, Gracious Spirit, an equal share of these blessings to the 4 out of 10 voters who disagreed.
May all be blessed by Love. May all know that they are worthy and enough.
Amen.
Rev. Drew Frantz
Our Unitarian Universalist faith affirms that all of our bodies are sacred, and that we are each endowed with the twin gifts of agency and conscience. Each of us should have the power to decide what does and doesn’t happen to our bodies at every moment of our lives because consent and self determination are holy. In the words of SisterSong, the Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective, we unequivocally support every person’s right
· To maintain personal bodily autonomy
· To have children
· To not have children
· To parent children in safe and sustainable communities
…and goes on to frame reproductive justice in terms of freedom from oppression:
Controlling people’s bodies during pregnancy is about enforcing white supremacy, patriarchy, and ruling-class power. Historically, those most affected by reproductive oppression have not been centered. Again, as advocated by SisterSong, we must:
· Analyze power systems
· Address intersecting oppressions
· Center the most marginalized
· Join together across issues and identities
It is expected that Michigan voters will be asked to consider abortion rights in November, just as voters in Kansas did yesterday. I believe that UU’s can and should act on their religious and moral convictions to advocate for issues in electoral politics. The national effort called “UU the Vote” puts the organizing power of our religious institution into such efforts.
I felt joy and relief upon hearing the results from Kansas. The overturning of Roe v. Wade was disheartening, and it is wonderful to get some good news for a change. I also reflect that these issues are not absolute and black-and-white. When I get pulled into an “us versus them” mindset, when I start thinking that those who disagree with me on issues like abortion are evil people, I need to remind myself to take a broader perspective. All people deserve love. All people want to feel safe. I want to keep struggling against unjust laws, and I want to do so with love and joy in my heart.
PRAYER:
Spirit of Infinite Life and Love, Bringer of Blessings:
Bestow your blessings of Joy, Love, Comfort and Belonging on those 6 out of 10 Kansas voters who affirmed the right to abortion yesterday
Bestow, Gracious Spirit, an equal share of these blessings to the 4 out of 10 voters who disagreed.
May all be blessed by Love. May all know that they are worthy and enough.
Amen.
Rev. Drew Frantz
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