UMC bishops bemoan US Supreme Court's decision on abortion

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Council of Bishops [COB] of The United Methodist Church says the decision by the Supreme Court of the United States to overturn Roe v. Wade has denied the sacred worth of women who face “the tragic conflicts of life with life that may justify abortion.”

In a statement released today by COB President Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton, the bishops said the decision serves to create a further divide between persons of privilege who have the means to seek necessary health care and those who lack this privilege due to their current economic condition, their disproportionately affected lives, or the color of their skin.

Bishop Bickerton noted that the overturning of Roe v. Wade is a call for the church to rise above the fray to offer words of support and hope in the midst of emptiness and despair and to advocate for women who are unjustly affected and unfairly harmed.  

“I call all United Methodists to a time of deep reflection, prayer, and mobilization as we continue the struggle to stand in the gap with intercession, advocacy, support, and grace for such a time as this,” said Bishop Bickerton. “In the midst of our diversity of opinion, may we be one in our response to those who are broken and to world that is divided.”

Click here to read the full COB statement on Roe v. Wade.