Dear Ones,
I want you to remember first: You are loved, every one of you. You are worthy, every one of you. May these truths hold you and comfort you. May you remember. The majority of the Supreme Court is trying to tell you this is not true. The overturning of Roe v. Wade is a direct attack on a person’s constitutional right to access abortion. And this action is an attack on the inherent worth and dignity of all of us. It is an attack to prevent us from exercising autonomy of our bodies. It is an attack that prevents us from using our minds and our consciences. It is an attack that forces us to live by religious beliefs that our not our own, imposed on us by others. Read more here: https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/a40406685/roe-v-wade-overturned-decision-full-text/

The overturning of Roe seems fearfully poised to launch an attack on other rights, such as the right to use birth control medication, to marry a partner of the same gender, to marry a person of a different race. It is like the attacks leveled by new laws in several states to prevent gender transition care. It is an attack, in a week of other attacks, including the rejection of a New York State law requiring a high standard in order to carry a concealed weapon and the overturn of the police requirement of Miranda—to tell an arrested person what their constitutional rights are. Read more here:  https://www.cnbc.com/2022/06/23/supreme-court-strikes-down-new-york-gun-law-restricting-concealed-carry.html

You can read more about the atrocious actions of the Supreme Court majority here:  https://www.aclu.org/news/civil-liberties/supreme-court-rejects-promise-miranda-rights. And you can read statement from our Unitarian Universalist Association’s commitment to abortion access and the right of individuals to control their own bodies here:  https://www.facebook.com/SideofLove/. But remember, you are not alone. You need not feel despair or fear without the companionship of the loving community of this Fellowship. You are part of a religious tradition that knows, without a doubt, that you are lovable and loved. In such times, in these times, belonging to a community is the best way to face the pain and challenges of daily life. I am grateful you are here, and we are together. And remember: I love you, every one of you.

Blessings, Rev. Rita