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| Clarance Thomas is an American lawyer and jurist |
The United Church of Christ (UCC), a liberal mainline Protestant denomination, has recently taken a strong stance in support of abortion rights. During their 34th General Synod held earlier this month, UCC delegates passed a measure titled "Denouncing the Dobbs Decision and Proclaiming Abortion as Healthcare." The measure condemns the Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade, and calls on the denomination to financially support abortion accessible.
With 611 delegates voting in favor, 24 against, and 13 abstaining, the resolution passed within the UCC. The measure argues that a majority of Americans support legal abortion in most cases and raises concerns that state laws restricting abortion endanger the lives of pregnant individuals and perpetuate unequal access to reproductive healthcare for marginalized communities.
One notable aspect of the resolution is its criticism of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. The UCC accuses Justice Thomas of posing a threat to constitutional protections for access to contraception, as well as for same-sex sexual relations and marriage, based on his concurring opinion in the Dobbs case.
The resolution further expresses support for peaceful resistance, including civil disobedience, against any laws that ban abortions. It urges every setting within the United Church of Christ to employ Just Peace practices to confront abortion bans and restrictions on reproductive healthcare.
Additionally, the UCC's resolution calls upon the United Church Board Ministerial Assistance to provide emergency grants to UCC Medical beneficiaries and other eligible applicants. These grants would cover out-of-pocket costs and travel expenses incurred while seeking care not available in their home states. The resolution also encourages local churches, associations, and conferences to offer physical, financial, and spiritual support to individuals seeking and receiving abortions and other reproductive healthcare services. The resolution suggests partnering with local healthcare agencies and abortion funds to accomplish this goal.
It's worth noting that an earlier version of the resolution invoked the virgin birth of Jesus Christ as a defense of abortion. The original text stated that Mary's choice to bear a child was the first act of Christian discipleship, asserting that forced birth is an act of sexual violence contrary to the incarnation. However, this portion was apparently removed from the final text of the measure.
Rev. Dakota Roberts, an associate pastor at St. Peter's United Church of Christ in Carmel, Indiana, highlighted the denomination's commitment to its founding principles of covenant and autonomy. Drawing a parallel with sanctuary churches that provide refuge for immigrants and refugees facing deportation, Rev. Roberts expressed the UCC's encouragement for churches to serve as sanctuaries for individuals seeking safe access to abortions.
The United Church of Christ, established in 1957 by historically Reformed Congregationalist churches, has faced a decline in membership over the past decade. According to the Christian Post, the denomination lost over 280,000 congregants between 2012 and 2022. Notable figures such as former President Barack Obama have been members of UCC congregations.
In conclusion, the United Church of Christ has taken a bold step in supporting abortion rights through the passage of a resolution denouncing the Dobbs decision and advocating for abortion as healthcare. By calling for financial support, offering grants, and encouraging churches to provide accompaniment and sanctuary, the UCC seeks to promote access to safe abortions. However, the resolution's critique of Justice Clarence Thomas and its initial reference to the virgin birth of Jesus Christ have sparked controversy within and outside the denomination.
