Dear Friends,
I want to let you know about something I am deeply committed to. I have joined a case against the state of Texas as a plaintiff opposing the legality of SB8. SB8, titled the “heartbeat bill,” makes it illegal for a doctor to induce an abortion once a fetal heartbeat is detected. It also makes it illegal to “aid and abet” someone getting an abortion after the fetal heartbeat is detected. This latter point arguably makes it illegal for clergy to counsel women and their families, provide spiritual support and discuss next steps toward terminating a pregnancy which is protected by Roe v. Wade and the Supreme Court. The infringement on my ability to counsel members of my church and patients I encounter as a volunteer chaplain in the clinic where I serve is in itself an affront to my profession and the ministry. I have decided to join the case as an individual and am now a plaintiff under the guidance of the Center for Reproductive Rights (CRR.) CRR is handling all legal fees and is working with me as one of many plaintiffs on the case.
I assure you that there will be some media coverage about this case in the weeks ahead, and I anticipate some attention will be focused on my participation in this case. That attention could be both desired and undesired. We will be more closely monitoring our security at the church during the case, and we will address increased cyber security issues to keep the church online presence positive.
I am doing this because I not only believe in the fundamental right of all people to make decisions about their bodies but also in the names of all those hundreds of families I have sat with who made the difficult decision to end pregnancies. I believe that Texas should not interfere with my calling to care compassionately for all people who have to make difficult life decisions which sometimes end in abortions.
I appreciate your support and confidence. May we all live through these important times with resolve and hope.
In faith,
