July 24, 2009

A representative of the Episcopal Church has joined some 50 other religious leaders and groups in supporting the House of Representatives' Ryan-DeLauro Bill, which, if passed, would aim to reduce the need for abortion by preventing unintended pregnancies and supporting pregnant women and families.

"On behalf of the Episcopal Church, I am pleased to endorse the ‘Preventing Unintended Pregnancies, Reducing the Need for Abortion and Supporting Parents Act' sponsored by Representatives Tim Ryan [Ohio] and Rosa DeLauro [Connecticut]," wrote Maureen Shea, director of the Episcopal Church's Office of Government Relations, in a statement released on July 24.

"We believe ‘that the beginning of new human life, because it is a gift of the power of God's love for his people, and thereby sacred, should not and must not be undertaken unadvisedly or lightly but in full accordance of the understanding for which this power to conceive and give birth is bestowed by God,'" wrote Shea, quoting language from a resolution first passed by the 1967 General Convention and reaffirmed in modified form at several subsequent meetings.

"We recognize that there are differing views on critical aspects of this gift. However, we believe this legislation is a faithful and honest approach to address areas in which those of diverse views can find common ground," Shea continued.

"In order to ensure that the gift of life not be ‘undertaken unadvisedly or lightly,' this legislation seeks to prevent unintended pregnancies particularly for teens; it restores and expands family planning programs for low-income women; it gives childbirth support to women and new parents, as well as students so that they can continue their studies; and it provides important information and financial support for those wishing to adopt."

Other organizations supporting the Ryan-DeLauro Bill include the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (RCRC), the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, Catholics for Choice, the United Methodist Church – General Board of Church and Society, the United Church of Christ, and the Religious Action Center for Reform Judaism, according to a release from Faith in Public Life, an organization that works "to build common ground on abortion among ideologically diverse religious leaders."

Supportive pro-life groups and leaders include Dr. Joel Hunter, pastor of the 10,000-member Northland Church in Florida; Adam Hamilton, pastor of the Church of the Resurrection in Kansas City; Dr. William Shaw, president of the National Baptist Convention; Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference; Nicholas P. Cafardi, civil and canon lawyer and professor and former dean of Duquesne University School of Law; Vivian Berryhill, president of the National Coalition of Pastors' Spouses; Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good; and Sojourners. The immediate past president of the Southern Baptist Convention, Dr. Frank Page, has issued a statement of tentative support. (A list of statements of support is available at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/documents/Ryan-DeLauro_Bill_support.pdf.)

Three supporting religious leaders stood with Representatives. Ryan and Delauro at the July 24 press conference announcing the bill.

"I urge those of good will in the pro-life community to support this bill," said Hunter, who is one of seven members of President Obama's Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnership to endorse the bill. "It will make a real difference in resolving the national tragedy of abortion."

"I had a chance to meet with Joel Hunter before this. I never thought we'd be in the same room," said Rev. Carlton Veazey, president of RCRC, which represents 40 denominations and religious groups. "But it's a great feeling because we can find something to share and that's the whole crux of the matter." Veazey praised the bill's support for services that will "allow an increased number of low-income and uninsured women to determine when and whether to have children according to their own conscience and religious beliefs."

An audio recording of the press conference is available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShRHXfpghhc.

Episcopal News Service