THE EVANGELICAL ANGLICAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
A Statement from The House of Bishops Regarding Recent Events & Issues
We fully recognize and respect that there are variety of opinions regarding the following issues and provide this as a majority perspective of EACA beliefs.
Ukraine
On February 24, 2022, forces from Russia illegally invaded the sovereign nation of Ukraine. Since that date Russian aggression has devastated and destroyed Ukrainian cities, homes, lives, and livelihoods. As we stand with all people in their rights to freedom and liberty, we stand with the people of Ukraine in their struggle against the oppressive and aggressive actions of Russia. We pray that peace will return to Ukraine.
Women’s Reproductive Rights
On June 24, 2022, The United States Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right of woman to make personal reproductive choices regarding abortion. We support the freedom of women and child-bearing individuals to make decisions regarding their own bodies and lives including the right to have an abortion. These are difficult and highly personal health care decisions to be made by the individual involved with hopefully the support of that person’s spouse/partner and family. Likewise, laws are being enacted that seek to prosecute health care providers and anyone who assists someone with obtaining an abortion. These are not the decisions that should be made by the government. We encourage the United States Congress and state legislatures to enact laws that will allow for the free access of all reproductive choices so that women may have access to safe and legal health care.
Same Sex Marriage and Relationships
With the Supreme Court’s overturning of the right to access to abortion, in his concurring opinion, Justice Clarence Thomas indicated that with the overturn of Roe-v-Wade, that the Supreme Court “should reconsider all of this Court’s substantive due process precedents, including Griswold, Lawrence, and Obergefell.” The three mentioned cases uphold the rights for access to contraception, same sex intimacy, and same sex marriage. The interest in overturning those cases comes from certain governmental and societal groups who wish to push their own ideals, opinions, religious interpretations, and perspectives onto everyone. We abhor any return to restrictive and oppressive times and the limit on freedom to live individual lives with dignity and respect. We likewise encourage legislation that ensures that these rights are maintained as aspects of law.
Transgender and Gay Rights
From its inception, the EACA has always stood for the dignity and acceptance of all persons as part of God’s creative diversity where none are excluded. Unfortunately, the rights of LGBT persons, so diligently fought for over the decades, are once again threatened. This is particularly true for Transgender persons. The hate filled and prejudicial rhetoric and laws being espoused lead to accelerated violence against Trans and gay persons. Draconian legislation is being proposed and passed that limit and even criminalize essential medical treatments for Transgender individuals. We stand with Transgender (he/she/they) persons as they seek to be their genuine selves living their lives to the fullest extent of their desire. In addition, educators, educational materials, and books are being restricted and censored relative to what can be said or taught in reference to LGBT issues and concerns. Once again, we encourage legislative action on all levels to insure the rights and safety of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender persons.
EACA Welcome
We are a church that includes and affirms the identities and experiences of all of God’s people. We are people of diverse backgrounds and orientations. We offer and affirm a lavish unconditional welcome for all the People of God. We seek to create sacred places for and within the People of God. We celebrate and honor God’s love for all of creation.
Kevin
The Rt. Rev. Kevin Champion, Presiding Bishop
