Local Value Them Both

Kansas bishops react to “Value Them Both” amendment’s failure to pass

A woman helps two young boys light candles during a “Value Them Both” sidewalk event in Olathe on Aug. 1. LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

The following is a statement by the Catholic bishops of Kansas.

We, the Catholic bishops of Kansas, join our people in expressing our disappointment that the Value Them Both Amendment did not pass. We are sorry to see that the most vulnerable human being in our society — the unborn child — will not be protected but further treated with indifference and injustice. 

Please be assured that we will continue our efforts to protect and support life. We fully believe that all life is sacred and valuable by God’s design, especially the unborn. Despite the outcome, the Church will continue to help mothers in crisis pregnancy situations. We will still promote ways in which a mother may say yes to life instead of choosing an abortion. 

To those who voted “no” on the amendment, may we somehow work together in finding ways that support women’s rights but also the rights of the unborn. We also pray for those who have had abortions. The arms of the Church are always open so that those who are suffering may experience God’s mercy, compassion and healing by our words and actions. 

We want to express our gratitude to the thousands of people who joined in voting “yes” for Value Them Both. Thank you for your courage, your generous support and hard work in promoting the Value Them Both Amendment. 

There is much more to be accomplished in helping our society see the value and dignity of every human life from conception to natural death. We trust that God will bring good out of evil. In the end, the truth wins! No matter how deep the darkness is, no matter how long it reigns, no matter how much it grows, it cannot destroy the light. Too often, it can seem that evil is winning, but we know that the darkness will never defeat the light of Christ. We will continue to preach the truth with love and place all our trust in Jesus who gives us hope.

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

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The Leaven

The Leaven is the official newspaper of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

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  • Yes, the media is very biased in favor of legalized abortion. Many of the voters, Catholics included voted no. They did not misunderstand the amendment. They want legal baby killing. They have known it for fifty years. They still have hardened hearts. Frankly, the people who voted no did not care that abortion ends a new human life. They are so caught up in the culture we have today that they want contraception on demand, in-vitro fertilization on demand, abortion on demand, and euthanasia.
    Remember, Kansas was the home to George Tiller who performed late-term abortions. The vote was not even close. The “No Vote” people want abortion to continue. It will take a change of heart, education, and divine intervention to stop legalized abortion. Frankly, the people who thought the yes vote would pass were naive ( I include myself).