A Letter to the Faithful from Bishop McClory regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization:
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June 24, 2022
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
The ruling handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization is a landmark decision, answering many prayers in the ongoing effort to protect the sanctity of life from conception to natural death. We are very encouraged by the decision, as it moves us forward in building a culture that respects and values all life.
This federal ruling recognizes that there is no constitutional right to abortion. This issue will now primarily be decided at the state level with ongoing federal action as well. Therefore, while we are grateful for this progress, we must remain steadfastly committed to cultivating communities that serve the needs of all people, especially the poor and vulnerable, those on the margins, and those facing extraordinary challenges.
The Catholic Church is the largest private provider of social services in the United States with a long history of serving those in need. Local religious communities, pregnancy care centers, and parish social justice ministries collaborate with other agencies to care for those in need. As missionary disciples of Christ, we bear witness in word and deed to the value of every human life.
A special report being produced by the Northwest Indiana Catholic details the ways our local Church supports women and families in need. You can find the report and additional stories as they become available on the diocesan website (dcgary.org).
In collaboration with local service agencies, we provide women, couples, and families with resources to assist them when they are most vulnerable. We must put greater energy into advancing even more resources and alternatives to support women facing challenging pregnancies – both before and after birth.
In this ongoing work, we must remain a people of peace and love. We will encounter many people who have differing opinions regarding the practice of abortion. Let us keep our focus on the Lord and our mission as disciples of Christ. We can and must respond to adversity with a gentle spirit, while we remain committed to serving others, as Jesus taught us.
I am asking the faithful to use the momentum of this pivotal court decision to respond vigorously with prayer and action. As we continue to pray for change in our world, I encourage you to also ask, “What can I do to support women, couples and families facing challenging situations? What can I do to nurture a culture that respects and supports all life? How do my actions reflect the teachings of Christ, to ‘love one another as I have loved you?’”
We are thankful that the Constitution of the United States is no longer construed to give a right to take the life of an unborn human being. This is a milestone decision that brings great hope. Our challenge now is to re-double our efforts to serve our sisters and brothers in need at all stages of life.
Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Robert J. McClory
Bishop of Gary