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turning over the tables since 1921

JUSTICE

let justice roll!
(Amos )

Open Letter to Youth Protecting Youth

Jesus helps an untouchable woman at the well, defying social stigma (John 4:7-10) January 28, 2005

CONTENTS | main choice page | martlet op/ed | feedback | links

December 16, 2004

As an ecumenical (inter-denominational) Christian group, the Student Christian Movement of Canada has brought students together since 1921, to wrestle with the difficult and urgent issues of the times. Our student-led movement has always included a range of Christian perspectives, including leadership from members of Catholic, Evangelical, Anglican, Lutheran, United, Presbyterian, Mennonite, Reformed, Unitarian, and other churches.

Members of the SCM do not all agree on the issue and ethics of abortion itself. However, our consensus is to stand up for womenís rights to choose for themselves what they think. Pro-choice, for us, does not mean pro-abortion.

We are writing you to inform you in advance that we will be making this public witness on campus as the February 10 AGM vote approaches. We pray this is not seen as an attack in any way on any particular Christian denomination or tradition, nor on your freedom of speech or opinion. These we respect.

We also hope to work in the future with you as individuals on other pressing faith concerns, such as addressing the oppressions of poverty, war and racism; living respectfully in creation; and sharing in worship and witness.

While YPY and the SCM differ strongly on some interpretations of our faith, we also share some common values:

We believe in the inherent value and worth of all living beings;
We reject the wanton destruction of life, which is sacred;
We wish to see the need for abortions reduced, especially the social and economic conditions (poverty and stigma) which women considering abortions often face.

Our scriptures call us to provide abundantly for "the foreigner, the widow, the orphan" (Deut 14:29), and to heal compassionately in the face of social stigma and taboo (Mark 5:25-34, John 4:7-10).

We believe Jesus Christ challenges us to stand with the marginalized, oppressed and stigmatized--God's beloved anawim (Luke 6:20)--and to recognize that the stigma and criminalization of abortion only creates hazardous and oppressive conditions for women.

Based on these faith values, the Student Christian Movement is taking a pro-choice stand. We pray that this dialogue can continue in an open and respectful way.

In prayer for compassion and justice,

The Student Christian Movement of Canada (Victoria)

Endorsed by:

Kailyn Young
Glenys Verhulst
Hailey Tallman
Katie McNiven
Gwen McAllister
Emma Hillian
Adrienne Gasior
Mike Burtt
David Ball CONTENTS | top

This campaign reflects the opinions of the Victoria local unit, not the larger Student Christian Movement of Canada or its national policies.