This morning, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its opinion in Dobbs, overruling Roe v. Wade and Casey and returning the issue of abortion to the states. In other words, there is no constitutional right to abortion and the states may again pass and enforce laws that prohibit abortion. Praise God!
The Supreme Court's abortion ruling also means that our parishes should be particularly vigilant as abortion activists have already been targeting Catholic Churches and crisis pregnancy centers since the leak of the Dobbs opinion several weeks ago. Recently, a crisis pregnancy center near Detroit was vandalized; so was one in Jackson. Additionally, an activist abortion group has called for a "night of rage," targeting churches and crisis pregnancy centers for vandalism beginning at 8 p.m. the evening of the Dobbs decision. So parishes should consider discussing with local law enforcement and consider additional security this weekend. As the Bishop mentioned several weeks ago after the Dobbs leak, interruptions at Mass are also possible. Pastors should be prepared for disturbances and prepare their congregations accordingly.
In addition, please see the attached statement released by the Catholic Bishops in Michigan following the Dobbs decision.
God bless,
William Bloomfield
General Counsel
Diocese of Lansing