From praise to grief: How Christian denominations reacted to Supreme Court's abortion ruling

By Samantha Kamman, Christian Post Reporter Monday, June 27, 2022

Bishops across the U.S. are taking action to teach and shape policy in the face of accelerating threats over the erosion of freedom of religion in America. Archbishop Dolan also named Bishop William Lori of Bridgeport, Connecticut, to chair the new committee. Support for ad hoc committee work will include adding two full-time staff at the USCCB, a lawyer expert in the area of religious freedom law, and a lobbyist who will handle both religious liberty and marriage issues. | (Photo: Reuters/Mel Evans)

U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)

USCCB President Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles and Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, chairman of the USCCB's Committee on Pro-Life Activities, issued a statement Friday.

"America was founded on the truth that all men and women are created equal, with God-given rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," they wrote. "This truth was grievously denied by the U.S. Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade ruling, which legalized and normalized the taking of innocent human life."

"We thank God today that the Court has now overturned this decision," they added. "We pray that our elected officials will now enact laws and policies that promote and protect the most vulnerable among us."

The statement stressed that now is the time to build a "post-Roe America."

"It is a time for healing wounds and repairing social divisions; it is a time for reasoned reflection and civil dialogue, and for coming together to build a society and economy that supports marriages and families, and where every woman has the support and resources she needs to bring her child into this world in love."

The New York State Catholic Conference

Multiple bishops from the New York State Catholic Conference issued a statement giving "thanks to God."

"This just decision will save countless innocent children simply waiting to be born," they continued.

The statement stressed that while the ruling is a "judicial victory," it is "not a cultural one." The bishops referenced their outline for a pro-life future released on May 22, which included the creation of family-friendly policies that support women and children.

"Building a culture of life is not solely the responsibility of the government or those heroic individuals working on the front lines, in crisis pregnancy centers and other ministries," the bishops stated.

"All of us need to respect the dignity and sanctity of human life in everything we do: in how we treat our children, spouses and parents; in the way we behave in our place of work; in sum, how we live Jesus' two great commandments to love God and love our neighbor."