The list also includes church vandalism.
Following a leaked draft opinion in the Mississippi abortion case Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization last month, attacks on Catholic churches and pro-life organizations multiplied.
But Aaron Weldon, the USCCB’s religious liberty program specialist, told CNA that, even before the leak a “fair portion” of church vandalisms referenced the issue of abortion.
“We anticipated that this could be something that ramps up as we head toward the Dobbs decision and debates about abortion,” Weldon said. “Even if you are a person of no faith, you should recognize that people should be able to worship without being afraid of being attacked in some way,” said Weldon. “I think it’s something we can all agree on.”
The USCCB says that despite disagreement, religious freedom, as well as free speech, entitles each human to live in an environment of peace, not violence. Through “prayer, education, and public action,” the USCCB emphasizes Religious Freedom Week as a time to advocate for not only the ideals of the Catholic faith, but the freedom to worship for all faiths.
The USCCB’s suggested prayer intention to combat church vandalism is: “Pray that Christian witness in the face of attacks on our churches will convert hearts to faith in Jesus Christ.”
Credit: Source link