Common Ground
I have watched with great interest the many marches that have been held around the country the last few weeks. I am encouraged that hundreds of thousands of citizens have invested their time, energy, and resources in order to exercise their right to free speech and to speak their own truth to power. I have had several family members and friends participate in these gatherings and they have my full support. For a variety of reasons I have been unable to join them but feel present in solidarity and in spirit.
Two marches of particular note have been the Women’s March on January 21st and the Right to Life March held on January 27th. I am so disheartened that some observers and media outlets have reported that these gatherings are diametrically opposed to each other and that one cannot be supportive of both efforts at the same time. Contrary to popular belief not every person who identifies as pro-life stops caring about children after they are born. Similarly, not every person who identifies as pro-choice supports abortion unconditionally or without reservation. Rather than identify the two camps as enemies of one another, I firmly believe we need opportunities to share the values that are held in common.
Several years ago Lynchburg College hosted a presentation called “Common Ground” in which participants representing a variety of positions on the pro-life to pro-choice continuum came together to engage in respectful and open dialogue. According to the facilitators, the goal was to “uncover the existing commonalties, not to compromise to create new middle views… They are encouraged to be curious and to explore and appreciate the nuances of various views along the continuum. Workshops also foster connective thinking. Connective thinking focuses on finding connections between people’s experiences and feelings, and on acknowledging what is true in other people’s words and views. It seeks to produce a web of shared knowledge.”
As a chaplain I am committed to a pastoral approach that is caring and compassionate towards all, regardless of their position on abortion. I do my best to ensure that women (and sometimes their partners) are aware of the choices that are available to them and the supportive services that exist to assist them. In the end, however, I cannot and will not force my own belief system on others. Yet I still struggle with my own beliefs and how to live with integrity when so much around this issue feels grey, messy, and deeply complicated.
One movement that has been helpful in my own struggle is the “Whole Life” movement. According to the website, the whole life approach demands a comprehensive approach to abortion that addresses the underlying causes of abortion by ensuring access to prenatal care, quality childcare, and family leave; eliminating discrimination against pregnant workers; improving the adoption process, and legal protection for unborn children, while also addressing the other whole life policies: Global Poverty, Mass Atrocities, Protection of the Environment, Human Rights, Empowerment of Women and Girls, Social Safety Net and Economic Justice. Also known as a “seamless garment,” this position has a very wide and expansive view of protecting the life and dignity of every person.
My prayer during these very difficult days is that we strive to find connection and commonality with those of differing viewpoints and that we do so in a spirit of respect and deep humility. Perhaps real truth resides not in one side or another but rather in the space of ongoing dialogue and caring conversation.
Peace, Anne