Bishops of the Diocese of North Carolina Respond to Overturning of Roe v. Wade

It is with deep disappointment that we learned today of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

For more than six decades, The Episcopal Church has been consistent and clear on its position around reproductive rights and, specifically, on the termination of pregnancy, balancing the belief that “all human life is sacred, from its inception until death” with “unequivocal opposition to any legislative, executive or judicial action on the part of local, state or national governments that abridges the right of a woman to reach an informed decision … or that would limit the access of a woman to safe means of acting on her decision.”

We affirm the Church’s position, and today’s disappointment is rooted in the knowledge that it opens the doors for legislation that will override the exercise of conscience and the agency of people who are facing profound and heartbreaking choices, and carry with them life-altering consequences and the reduction of women’s choices when it comes to their own health. Having seen examples of this legislation over the last several months, we cannot help but worry about the impact today’s news will have, as we believe it will actually harm and maybe even cost the lives of many.

We especially realize the even deeper potential impact on struggling communities. The Most Rev. Michael Curry encapsulated it well in his response to the decision when he wrote, “Today’s decision institutionalizes inequality because women with access to resources will be able to exercise their moral judgment in ways that women without the same resources will not.”

We've known that regardless the ruling of the Supreme Court in this matter, the decision would be a source of pain and disappointment for many. In the coming days, weeks and months, we ask all to remember that those experiencing pain from this decision and its fallout are our siblings in Christ. It is our call, no matter if we agree or disagree, to respond pastorally, with compassion and with love.

For this decision is not the end of the conversation; it was never going to be. We will continue to engage, and we will do so in a way that continues to respect the dignity of every human being. For those who also choose to engage, whether it be in the form of protest, advocacy or even in conversation with friends and neighbors, we call to you to model how it can be done as a follower of Jesus: peacefully and lovingly, with the sure knowledge that every one of us is a child of God.

O God, you have bound us together in a common life. Help us, in the midst of our struggles for justice, truth, safety, health and the dignity of all your children, to confront one another without hatred or bitterness, and to work together with mutual forbearance and respect; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen