The Episcopal Church: Supporting Abortion Since 1967

[The Liturgist]

I recently published an article about the United Church of Christ supporting abortion, and now I feel its time to call attention to the fact that, unknown to myself when I was a member, the Episcopal Church has officially supported abortion since before Roe vs. Wade, even though many Episcopalians are pro-life. This should surprise no one, and frankly that I didn’t realize it shows how naive I was, considering the abuse of traditionalists within the denomination, the recent display of a crucifix depicting our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ as a woman, and the church failing to discipline liberal parishes like St. Gregory of Nyssa for incorporating a Shinto shrine into their funeral service.

It is also interesting to note this occurred around the same time that the heresy trial against Bishop James Pike of San Francisco, who among other things argued against teaching the doctrine of the Trinity, saying “we need fewer beliefs and more belief,” to which the Episcopal Church should have responded “The Unitarian Universalist Association Welcomes You,” failed to convict and depose the bishop despite his flagrant disregard of the doctrines set forth in the 1928 Book of Common Prayer.

I suggest conservative Episcopalians use caution and avoid donating money directly to the Episcopal Church, where it could be used to finance pro-abortion lobbying and activism. Frankly I wish I could get my money back that I donated.

In this thread on some other pro abortion denominations I outlined possible alternative means of donating to the denominations in question: The United Church of Christ Supports Abortion!

 

[PloverWing]

Here is a web page that links to a number of the General Convention resolutions over the years that relate to abortion: The Episcopal Church’s Views on Abortion

Going by the statements in these resolutions, the church views abortion as a morally complicated matter. For example, here is an excerpt from the 1994 resolution:

We regard all abortion as having a tragic dimension, calling for the concern and compassion of all the Christian community.

While we acknowledge that in this country it is the legal right of every woman to have a medically safe abortion, as Christians we believe strongly that if this right is exercised, it should be used only in extreme situations. We emphatically oppose abortion as a means of birth control, family planning, sex selection, or any reason of mere convenience.

In those cases where an abortion is being considered, members of this Church are urged to seek the dictates of their conscience in prayer, to seek the advice and counsel of members of the Christian community and where appropriate, the sacramental life of this Church.

Whenever members of this Church are consulted with regard to a problem pregnancy, they are to explore, with grave seriousness, with the person or persons seeking advice and counsel, as alternatives to abortion, other positive courses of action, including, but not limited to, the following possibilities: the parents raising the child; another family member raising the child; making the child available for adoption.

It is the responsibility of members of this Church, especially the clergy, to become aware of local agencies and resources which will assist those faced with problem pregnancies.

We believe that legislation concerning abortions will not address the root of the problem. We therefore express our deep conviction that any proposed legislation on the part of national or state governments regarding abortions must take special care to see that the individual conscience is respected, and that the responsibility of individuals to reach informed decisions in this matter is acknowledged and honored as the position of this Church

I would not call this a pro-abortion view, but rather an acknowledgement of the moral complexity of the issue.

 

[Ignatius the Kiwi]

Here is a web page that links to a number of the General Convention resolutions over the years that relate to abortion: The Episcopal Church’s Views on Abortion

Going by the statements in these resolutions, the church views abortion as a morally complicated matter. For example, here is an excerpt from the 1994 resolution:



I would not call this a pro-abortion view, but rather an acknowledgement of the moral complexity of the issue.

What does the Episcopalian Church do to actively discourage abortion of convenience in it's members?

 

[PloverWing]

What does the Episcopalian Church do to actively discourage abortion of convenience in it's members?

I think it's going to vary by parish. What I've seen in my current parish is that about 20 years back, two of the unmarried teenage girls in our parish became pregnant. They weren't shamed or ostracized by the parish, and they chose to keep and raise their babies. I think an atmosphere in a parish community of not shaming single moms can help.

Honestly, there's probably more we can and should do, as parishes, to make sure that our parishioners are thinking carefully about this and other important ethical issues. Abortion isn't going to come up in sermons, I think, because our sermons are generally about the lectionary readings. And it's not age-appropriate for children's Sunday School. But there should be a place in church for teen/adult discussion groups on ethical issues like abortion, war and conscientious objection, the use of violence in self-defense, and so on -- that cluster of issues surrounding the taking of human life -- and I don't know how many parishes have discussion groups like this.

 

[Ignatius the Kiwi]

I think it's going to vary by parish. What I've seen in my current parish is that about 20 years back, two of the unmarried teenage girls in our parish became pregnant. They weren't shamed or ostracized by the parish, and they chose to keep and raise their babies. I think an atmosphere in a parish community of not shaming single moms can help.

Honestly, there's probably more we can and should do, as parishes, to make sure that our parishioners are thinking carefully about this and other important ethical issues. Abortion isn't going to come up in sermons, I think, because our sermons are generally about the lectionary readings. And it's not age-appropriate for children's Sunday School. But there should be a place in church for teen/adult discussion groups on ethical issues like abortion, war and conscientious objection, the use of violence in self-defense, and so on -- that cluster of issues surrounding the taking of human life -- and I don't know how many parishes have discussion groups like this.

Is being pro-abortion a legitimate position for an Episcopalian to hold?

 

[PloverWing]

Is being pro-abortion a legitimate position for an Episcopalian to hold?

Do you mean hoping that lots and lots of abortions happen? No, that's not an appropriate position for an Episcopalian.

 

[Ignatius the Kiwi]

Do you mean hoping that lots and lots of abortions happen? No, that's not an appropriate position for an Episcopalian.

I mean the advocacy for abortion at any stage during pregnancy and the understanding that abortion services need to be state funded and/or be universally available and there be no restriction on them. Is this not the position the Episcopalian Church holds?

Why would it be inappropriate to not want lots of abortions since the Episcopalian Church holds that shaming women for procuring abortion is inappropriate. That sort of implies a sanction, since there are things Episcopalians have no problem shaming.

Do you consider abortion a shameful thing as an Episcopalian?

 

[seeking.IAM]

Abortion isn't going to come up in sermons, I think, because our sermons are generally about the lectionary readings.

The same in mine. If it is not referenced in the day's lectionary scripture readings, it is not going to make it into a sermon in my parish. I have never heard anyone preach for it or against it.

 

[PloverWing]

I mean the advocacy for abortion at any stage during pregnancy and the understanding that abortion services need to be state funded and/or be universally available and there be no restriction on them. Is this not the position the Episcopalian Church holds?

Regarding legality, from the 1994 resolution: "We believe that legislation concerning abortions will not address the root of the problem. We therefore express our deep conviction that any proposed legislation on the part of national or state governments regarding abortions must take special care to see that the individual conscience is respected, and that the responsibility of individuals to reach informed decisions in this matter is acknowledged and honored as the position of this Church".

Regarding funding: I am not seeing any statements from General Convention regarding abortion funding. It is possible that there are statements I have overlooked, since there have been quite a few resolutions from General Convention over the years.

Why would it be inappropriate to not want lots of abortions since the Episcopalian Church holds that shaming women for procuring abortion is inappropriate. That sort of implies a sanction, since there are things Episcopalians have no problem shaming.

Do you consider abortion a shameful thing as an Episcopalian?

From the 1994 resolution: "We regard all abortion as having a tragic dimension, calling for the concern and compassion of all the Christian community." This is a good way to say it. Not shameful, but tragic. This person has chosen what she judged to be the least terrible option among a collection of terrible options. "Least terrible" is not the same as "good".

 

[Ignatius the Kiwi]

Regarding legality, from the 1994 resolution: "We believe that legislation concerning abortions will not address the root of the problem. We therefore express our deep conviction that any proposed legislation on the part of national or state governments regarding abortions must take special care to see that the individual conscience is respected, and that the responsibility of individuals to reach informed decisions in this matter is acknowledged and honored as the position of this Church".

Regarding funding: I am not seeing any statements from General Convention regarding abortion funding. It is possible that there are statements I have overlooked, since there have been quite a few resolutions from General Convention over the years.



From the 1994 resolution: "We regard all abortion as having a tragic dimension, calling for the concern and compassion of all the Christian community." This is a good way to say it. Not shameful, but tragic. This person has chosen what she judged to be the least terrible option among a collection of terrible options. "Least terrible" is not the same as "good".

If a woman in good conscience decides to abort her child because she doesn't want to be burdened by it, what's tragic about it? The above statement of a right to conscience implies the Church respects this woman and will do whatever is necessary to support her in her individual choice. How then is this 'tragic,' when the woman's conscience said she has done nothing wrong?

 

[PloverWing]

If a woman in good conscience decides to abort her child because she doesn't want to be burdened by it, what's tragic about it? The above statement of a right to conscience implies the Church respects this woman and will do whatever is necessary to support her in her individual choice. How then is this 'tragic,' when the woman's conscience said she has done nothing wrong?

From the 1994 statement: "While we acknowledge that in this country it is the legal right of every woman to have a medically safe abortion, as Christians we believe strongly that if this right is exercised, it should be used only in extreme situations. We emphatically oppose abortion as a means of birth control, family planning, sex selection, or any reason of mere convenience."

Sometimes people make incorrect moral choices.

 

[Ignatius the Kiwi]

From the 1994 statement: "While we acknowledge that in this country it is the legal right of every woman to have a medically safe abortion, as Christians we believe strongly that if this right is exercised, it should be used only in extreme situations. We emphatically oppose abortion as a means of birth control, family planning, sex selection, or any reason of mere convenience."

Sometimes people make incorrect moral choices.

Does the Episcopalian Church emphatically oppose abortion as a means of birth control though? Or are they just saying it? Has the Episcopalian Church supported legislation which might outlaw abortion of convenience? As far as I can tell they adopt the Democratic position on abortion and there being absolutely no restrictions on it.

Plus that was over twenty years ago and the Episcopal Church has only drifted more towards liberal sexual values.

 

[PloverWing]

Does the Episcopalian Church emphatically oppose abortion as a means of birth control though? Or are they just saying it? Has the Episcopalian Church supported legislation which might outlaw abortion of convenience? As far as I can tell they adopt the Democratic position on abortion and there being absolutely no restrictions on it.

Plus that was over twenty years ago and the Episcopal Church has only drifted more towards liberal sexual values.

I haven't seen any resolutions that negated the resolutions of 1967, 1976, 1988, and 1994, so as far as I know those are still in effect. (I'm still waiting for the resolutions from the 2022 Convention to be archived at The Acts of Convention: Digital Archive 1973-2018 . Right now, it's not clear to me which of the proposed 2022 resolutions passed, in what form.)

The status of LGBTQ people (I assume that's what you mean by "liberal sexual values) is completely separate from the question of abortion.

The General Convention resolutions of the Episcopal Church have consistently stated that legislation is not an appropriate way to address the problem of abortion.

 

[Ignatius the Kiwi]

I haven't seen any resolutions that negated the resolutions of 1967, 1976, 1988, and 1994, so as far as I know those are still in effect. (I'm still waiting for the resolutions from the 2022 Convention to be archived at The Acts of Convention: Digital Archive 1973-2018 . Right now, it's not clear to me which of the proposed 2022 resolutions passed, in what form.)

The status of LGBTQ people (I assume that's what you mean by "liberal sexual values) is completely separate from the question of abortion.

The General Convention resolutions of the Episcopal Church have consistently stated that legislation is not an appropriate way to address the problem of abortion.

Didn't the Episcopalian Church come out recently and reject the Supreme court's ruling on Roe V Wade? Which implies that the Episcopalian Church does believe there is a correct legislative position, namely universal access to abortion without restriction or limit.

And no, by liberal sexual values I mean liberal sexual values. Maybe not in a de jure sense of official Church teaching, but it's amusing to go to a place like r/Episcopalian on Reddit and note how on every sexual issue you can predict their response. The Episcopal Church is a sexually progressive Church at this point and although there might be some minority within the Church that hold to traditional Christian standards, they are only a minority and have no influence.

So why do you think the Church holds this principled opposition to abortion of convenience? What have they done to demonstrate it?

 

[kiwimac]

Good on them.

 

[PloverWing]

Didn't the Episcopalian Church come out recently and reject the Supreme court's ruling on Roe V Wade?

I don't recall a statement like that. The bishops haven't been happy with Dobbs v Jackson, but I don't remember a rejection of Roe v Wade. Perhaps you can point me to the statement you have in mind.

And no, by liberal sexual values I mean liberal sexual values. Maybe not in a de jure sense of official Church teaching, but it's amusing to go to a place like r/Episcopalian on Reddit and note how on every sexual issue you can predict their response.

I don't frequent Reddit (though some of my family members do), so I can't really address what the Episcopalians are posting there.

So why do you think the Church holds this principled opposition to abortion of convenience? What have they done to demonstrate it?

I am going by the official statements that have been made at General Convention.

 

[seeking.IAM]

I don't frequent Reddit (though some of my family members do), so I can't really address what the Episcopalians are posting there.

I have been on reddit(dot)com/r/episcopalian enough to know two things:

1. redittors do not speak for The Episcopal Church
2. Episcopalians are a diverse group who believe different things and have no particular need to agree with each one another.

As Robin Williams said in his Top 10 Reasons to be an Episcopalian, "No matter what you believe, there’s bound to be at least one other Episcopalian who agrees with you." Or as is also said, whenever you find two Episcopalians, you will find at least three opinions.

Thats why PloverWing is on safest ground to quote General Convention, not Reddit.

 

[Ignatius the Kiwi]

I have been on reddit(dot)com/r/episcopalian enough to know two things:

1. redittors do not speak for The Episcopal Church
2. Episcopalians are a diverse group who believe different things and have no particular need to agree with each one another.

As Robin Williams said in his Top 10 Reasons to be an Episcopalian, "No matter what you believe, there’s bound to be at least one other Episcopalian who agrees with you." Or as is also said, whenever you find two Episcopalians, you will find at least three opinions.

Thats why PloverWing is on safest ground to quote General Convention, not Reddit.

Indeed, some Episcopalians don't even believe in Christianity, like Spong. I think the diversity of thought is a problem for the Episcopalian Church and broader Anglican communion in general.

I only reference that subreddit as an example of what the average active layman in the Episcopal Church says and believes. There are apparently also many priests on that subreddit giving similar advice. I've had official statements quoted but it's hard for me to believe the average Episcopalian, even the average Episcopalian prelate has any real problem with abortion of convenience. Especially when they are insistent on protecting the right to procure one on that basis.

 

[seeking.IAM]

...I think the diversity of thought is a problem for the Episcopalian Church and broader Anglican communion in general.

I suspect it is difficult for one from a dogmatic tradition to understand the variance found in a non-dogmatic tradition. I think the important thing to remember about The Episcopal Church is that we are more about common worship than common thought.

 

[Ignatius the Kiwi]

I suspect it is difficult for one from a dogmatic tradition to understand the variance found in a non-dogmatic tradition. I think the important thing to remember about The Episcopal Church is that we are more about common worship than common thought.

You say dogmatic like it's a bad thing.

I guess I can't contest you on one point. I feel belief and worship should be unified in their importance. Not one chosen above the other. Or one subject to considerable more variance. I mean if variance of thought has gotten to the point where an Episcopalian can feel comfortable supporting abortion of convenience and deny the resurrection of the dead, there's something wrong there, no?