Oh, I agree its an extreme statement which is probably theologically shaky. Rev. Churchman is angry that The Episcopal Church would consider saying that abortion is sinful. I suspect she said used the word “rejoice” primarily because it was used in the proposed “Rite of Repentance and Reconciliation for an Abortion." This rite will be considered for adoption during the General Convention of the Episcopal Church will be meeting in Anaheim, California from July 8 - 17.
yes, i remembered reading that they were proposing a rite of healing which i have no problem with. i think many women must be left somewhat psychologically harmed after having an abortion. after an abortion, it is too late to do anything for the baby, but i think that women should have some kind of follow up counseling to see how they are coping with the decision and perhaps even after giving up a baby for adoption. they are both traumatic events which could lead to self destructive behavior on the part of the woman if she hasn’t dealt with it well. whether the baby is aborted or given up for adoption, it is out of control of the mother and she needs to learn to deal with herself and the consequences. many times i think that women think that aborting the pregnancy or giving the baby up for adoption solves the problem, but you cannot deny something that had already started. the mother must feel a loss after being pregnant and either terminating the pregnancy or carrying it to full term and then giving it up for adoption. they cannot deny that there was something that was part of them that is no longer there. in the family i grew up in, both scenarios took place among my sister and cousin and they were never again the same. they would deny it, but it was very obvious that they both needed counseling and they never got it and they really needed healing.
I think you made good points as to why the rite of healing is a good idea. I’m not an Episcopalian, so my views aren’t important (or informed), but why not allow the rite to exist for those who want it? Its not as if the rite will be mandatory.
i guess at the convention they will be concerned about the wording or liturgy of the rite.
Absolutely. It could be nothing but.
Abortion is never “the best option.” Ever.
Definitely not for the unborn child.
The distinction is akin to the distinction between “God rejoices in suicide” and “When I am depressed, God rejoices when I have the choice between a phone, anti-depressants, and a loaded gun at my bedside.”
This is true, too. It is insulting to use terminology different from that of another religion for the purpose of discounting the position they have created, which this does.
Abortion of an unwanted child is still murder…
when you’re right, you’re right. Let us pray for all of the murdered children, and for the parents who murdered them.