Archbishop Vigneron invites us to pray, vote, and give to defeat Proposal 3, a proposal on the Nov. 8 election ballot thatwould revoke the right to life for an untold number of human beings.
Read Archbishop Vigneron's letter to the faithful of the Archdiocese of Detroit
Background
The U.S. Supreme Court on June 24 issued a 6-3 ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, overturning the prior decisions of Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, with the immediate effect of returning the question of abortion policy to the states.
While current Michigan law bans abortion, except when a mother's life is in danger, Michigan Court of Claims Judge Elizabeth Gleicher issued a temporary injunction against that law on May 17. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is challenging the statute in the Michigan Supreme Court, asking the court to judge whether a right to abortion is already present in the Michigan constitution. In addition, there is a proposed ballot initiative that, if passed, would enshrine “a right to abortion” in the state constitution.
Regardless of what happens in Washington or in Lansing, one thing will remain true: We must continue and expand all our efforts to accompany women and couples who are facing unexpected or difficult pregnancies, and we must always offer our love and mercy to those suffering from abortion. In response to the Dobbs decision, Archbishop Vigneron affirmed:
"While the decision announced today by the U.S. Supreme Court is a cause for praise and thanks to God, it does not mean our work is over. I join my brother bishops in Michigan in affirming that the Church must redouble her efforts to ensure every woman, child, and family has the support necessary to thrive in pregnancy, early childhood, and beyond."
And addressing the ballot initiative in March, Archbishop Vigneron wrote:
“It is critical that any pregnant woman considering abortion knows that she has better options available and, most importantly, that she knows the love of Christ as shared through the witness borne by you, me, and all Catholics.”
With this in mind, and in collaboration with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC), we wish to share with you a collection of materials meant to aid you in prayerfully and practically responding to the outcome of the Dobbs Supreme Court case.
Walking with Moms in Need
Driven by the nationwide United States Catholic Conference of Bishops’ Walking with Moms in Need initiative, the Detroit Walking with Moms in Need initiative is a partnership between the Archdiocese of Detroit and Catholic Charities of southeast Michigan which equips and assists Catholic parishes and parishioners in raising awareness about resources that provide assistance to pregnant and parenting moms in need.
Annual Respect Life Program
The Respect Life Program begins each year on the first Sunday in October, Respect Life Sunday. The program is highlighted in liturgies and marked by special events. The USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities publishes new materials each year to call attention to numerous human life issues. Contact Pro-Life Coordinator Kathleen Wilson to engage your parish.
Project Rachel Ministry
Project Rachel is the Church's ministry to provide one-on-one spiritual and psychological support for those individuals who are suffering from the trauma of abortion. It operates as a network of professional clergy, licensed counselors and volunteers all trained for the specialized care needed for this ministry. This confidential helpline offers clergy and counseling referrals, and Rachel's Vineyard weekend retreats to help you move towards healing and reconciliation with yourself, your unborn child, your family, your church and with God.
Videos About Project Rachel Ministry to share with your parish
Evangelical Charity Finder Pro-life Ministries
Find pro-life ministries near your parish community using the Evangelical Charity Finder (evangelicalcharity.org). Consider organizing parish volunteer opportunities to support these ministries.
EGW Resources
Michigan Catholic Conference Resources
Detroit Catholic Articles on Pro-life Work in the AOD
- Catholic, pro-life leaders celebrate as Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade (June 24, 2022)
- Seven myths about overturning Roe v. Wade (June 24, 2022)
- Roe is overturned. What happens next? (June 24, 2022)
- How are Catholics walking with moms in need? (June 8, 2022)
- 'Extreme' ballot proposal would mean 'anything goes' on abortion in Michigan, MCC says (Detroit Catholic, May 31, 2022)
- 'Rogue decision' blocks Michigan's 1931 abortion ban; critics question judge's impartiality (Detroit Catholic, May 18, 2022)
- With Roe reversal possibly imminent, pro-life leaders turn focus to road ahead (Detroit Catholic, May 3, 2022)
- Catholic leaders respond to Gov. Whitmer's lawsuit to overturn abortion criminalization law (Detroit Catholic, April 8, 2022)
- Catholics must reject attempt to enshrine abortion in Michigan's constitution (Archbishop Vigneron, March 14, 2022)
- Archbishop: ‘We will not give up’ fighting abortion because ‘Christ is victorious’(January 25, 2021)
- Archbishop leads prayer vigil at abortion clinic, calls for building a culture of life(Detroit Catholic, September 28, 2020)
- Why abortion is our ‘preeminent priority’ as faithful Catholic citizens (Fr. Stephen Pullis, September 8, 2020)
- We will defeat abortion, as David defeated Goliath (Fr. Charles Fox, January 23, 2020)
- Archbishop Vigneron calls on parishes to aid petition to end ‘dismemberment’ abortions (June 28, 2019)
- Regarding 2019 Pro-Life petitions (June 26, 2019)
- Fear and loathing in the abortion debate: Pro-abortion advocates ignore key question(Fr. Charles Fox, May 22, 2019)
Resources for the lay faithful can be found on this page of aod.org.
