A Letter From Bishop Chris
The Sacredness of Life
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
In just a few weeks, Virginians will consider a proposed amendment to our Commonwealth's Constitution concerning what it calls the “Fundamental Right to Reproductive Freedom.” Because the amendment would establish a constitutional right that expressly includes abortion, and because it touches profound questions about human life, parental responsibility, conscience, and the protection of the vulnerable, I believe it deserves our careful and prayerful attention.
Our concern as Christians begins not with politics, but with God.
Scripture teaches us that every human being is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26–27). Our own Anglican Church in North America therefore affirms that “all members and clergy are called to promote and respect the sanctity of every human life from conception to natural death.”
Pope John Paul II memorably called this “the Gospel of life.” It is a vision much larger than any single political issue. Yet it necessarily includes our concern for the unborn. The Church has historically understood the child in the womb not merely as potential life, or a blog of tissue, but as human life deserving our protection and care.
For that reason, I am deeply concerned about placing a fundamental right to abortion within our Commonwealth's Constitution. At the same time, our Christian witness cannot end with opposition to abortion. We must also care for women facing difficult or unexpected pregnancies and be prepared to walk alongside mothers and families with compassion, friendship, practical assistance, and genuine alternatives. We are called to love and serve both mother and child.
The Gospel of life also calls us to defend children from exploitation, care for the poor, oppose human trafficking, stand with those who are persecuted, care for the elderly and disabled, and resist whatever treats another human being as expendable.
No human being is disposable and especially the unborn.
It is within that larger Christian vision that I have written a pastoral letter concerning the proposed Virginia constitutional amendment.
In the letter, I address my concerns about abortion and the protection of unborn human life, as well as the breadth of the proposed constitutional language. I also consider questions the amendment raises concerning parents and minors, sterilization and gender-transition procedures, religious liberty and freedom of conscience, and the future work of churches and ministries committed to protecting unborn children and supporting women who choose life.
Some of these potential consequences are uncertain, and I believe it is important that we distinguish carefully between what the amendment actually says and concerns about how its broad constitutional language could be interpreted in the future. Christians should be people of truth. We need neither exaggerate our concerns nor be afraid to express them.
Above all, I want to call us beyond political argument to Christian witness. If we proclaim the dignity of every human life, our churches must be communities where vulnerable people encounter tangible love, compassion, protection, and practical help.
I encourage you to read my full pastoral letter, read the proposed amendment itself, pray for our Commonwealth, and consider these matters carefully and faithfully.
Read my full pastoral letter: “The Sacredness of Life”
As your bishop, I encourage you to read carefully, pray earnestly, speak graciously, and care for those who are vulnerable. Above all, may we bear witness in word and deed to Jesus Christ, who is himself the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Blessings,
P.S. Here are a few resource links to find help near your church for women and men facing unplanned pregnancies
Moms.gov - list of life affirming pregnancy centers and federally qualified health centers for new and expectant mothers
HerPlan.org - directory of vetted pro-life providers, from pre-natal care to housing, financial support, childcare, and more.
For practical guidance and support to churches seeking to respond to the call to care for vulnerable children and families, especially in the area of foster care and
adoption:
DC127 - active throughout the District of Columbia
