Prayer and Respectful Dialogue in Response to Supreme Court ruling
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Dear Sisters, Associates and Companions,
Unfortunately, we live in a world and society where violence, in word, deed and attitude, is too often the first and only recourse. As followers of Catherine McAuley, we aspire to create an environment of hospitality to differing views and perspectives, as we seek the truth in love. Similarly, we espouse to create communities and situations that will be characterized by a spirit of union and charity.
As we anticipated the decision of the United States Supreme Court to revoke Roe v. Wade, we became increasingly aware of the divisiveness that this decision will cause among the citizenry of the United States, including people of faith. The revoking of the previous constitutionality of the right to an abortion and the deep division that exists in this country around this ruling provides, so very unfortunately, the likelihood of increased violence and a deeper rift within communities. This historical moment calls for caring, gospel-based discernment as to how to speak and act with integrity.
We know too certainly from recent months and years of experiencing a searing, relentless and senseless outbreaking of violence in our most common settings of where people gather, that violence has become a way of life for too many people in too many situations. Very simply, when there is disagreement, and the deeper the disagreement, the more prevalent is this threat of violence.
In light of this recent Court judgement, we encourage all within our Mercy family to continue to be deeply rooted in our Catholic teachings:
- Respect for the dignity of every person
- Respect for life at all stages
- Respect for the freedom of an informed conscience.
These Catholic teachings ground our heartfelt desires to be a community in action for union and charity among our sisters and brothers. These Catholic teachings encourage us to enter more deeply into the pain and struggle that our sisters and brothers face daily to be regarded with respect, affirmed in their dignity, and encouraged in the formation of their conscience.
We call upon our Church leaders and those of you who hold leadership roles in ministries that provide services for women to expand those services, programs, and resources to women struggling to make healthy and holy choices for themselves and their families. Such resources must extend to the birthing and raising of children in safe and wholesome environments. To assure the upbringing of a healthy child, we recognize that women, especially women of color, and their families face unprecedented risks today due to dire economic, social, health and housing challenges caused by structural racism and white supremacy. The risks they face must be addressed and mitigated by caring and compassionate communities rather than being met with judgments and admonishment. Now, more than ever, we must listen to the experiences of women, as they make decisions for themselves and their families, and respond with mercy and compassion.
We invite each of you within our Mercy family, to meditate on our Critical Concern of nonviolence and to engage in prayer, respectful dialogue and peaceful action as we continue to witness to our Mercy values in the midst of a pluralistic society and world.
In Mercy,
The Institute Leadership Team
