FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 5, 2022
CONTACT: Imelda Mejia, [email protected]
AUSTIN, Texas – The first Thursday of May, today, marks the National Day of Prayer. It’s a day established by Congress in 1952 as a day when “the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as individuals.” This year, it comes just days after a leaked draft brief suggests the U.S. Supreme Court intends to strike down Roe v. Wade.
While today was intended to honor the power of intentional introspection for people of all faiths –and even those of non-faith – the day is often co-opted by the religious right to push forth their political agenda which unfailingly centers on an evangelical version of Christianity. But there are progressive faith voices who believe differently.
Texas Freedom Network’s Just Texas proclaims that all people, regardless of faith, gender, sexuality, race, immigration status, or financial resources are beloved and worthy of human rights and bodily autonomy.
Reverend Remington Johnson, an Austin-based clergy member and activist who has testified in partnership with Just Texas, had the following response:
“In prayer, we are moved to respond to calls for justice, and today, these calls seem endless and overwhelming. Yet again, the courts are attempting to regulate the sacredness of our bodily autonomy, and they are burdening us with the weight of their efforts to restrict the right to choose our own futures. As people of faith, we cannot linger a moment longer. Our prayer, our faith, and that sacred light burning within us all call us into the public square to refuse to be subjugated. We are blessed that abortions exist and can occur safely. We are blessed that we know who we are and what we need. We are blessed that transgender children and adults shine with divine splendor. We are blessed that the world is bigger and brighter and more diverse than we could ever imagine. May we know that we are ALL worthy of care, safety, and love. We are all connected–when the dignity of our community is threatened, we are called to respond with love, action, and unity for justice.”
Just Texas created the Reproductive Freedom Designation for congregations who pledge to bring conversations on reproductive health and abortion out of the shadows. There are more than 25 congregations with the designation across Texas.
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Just Texas (justtx.org) is a movement of clergy and other faith leaders who support women’s access to all reproductive health care services, including abortion care. Just Texas is a project of the Texas Freedom Network.
