Value Them Both action cards to be distributed this weekend in diocese

By Chuck Weber
As the grim anniversary of the infamous Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion draws near, Kansas Catholics have an opportunity to make a real difference in protecting women and babies from the abortion industry.

Just as Roe v. Wade ushered in a dark time in American life, Kansans face their own challenge stemming from a court decision. In this instance, a recent ruling by the Kansas Supreme Court ushered in a new era of virtually unlimited and unregulated abortion in Kansas. Unlike the Roe v. Wade decision, Kansans are being empowered to reverse that decision by voting “yes” to the Value Them Both amendment in an election on Aug. 2.

As part of a grassroots effort to educate and activate Catholic parishioners about the critical importance of the Value Them Both amendment, “action cards” are being distributed beginning this weekend in parishes in the Diocese of Wichita. Spanish-language cards are also being distributed.

Pastors are being asked to make these action cards readily available to the faithful along with a word of encouragement to learn about and engage in the Value Them Both campaign that is now underway. The action cards provide an overview of what’s happening and various options and opportunities to help.

Put cards in offertory basket

Each card is pre-addressed if people wish to place their own postage stamp on the card and mail it in. Filled-out cards can also be returned to church the following week and placed in the offertory basket or another designated place at church. Parish staff can then return those cards.

All the Catholic bishops of Kansas, including Bishop Carl A. Kemme, are enthusiastically supporting the Value Them Both campaign. The Kansas Catholic Bishop’s public policy arm – the Kansas Catholic Conference – is playing a lead role in the coalition that is supporting and urging a yes vote on the amendment.

A detailed website explaining the importance of Value Them Both, including specific amendment language, why the amendment is so important and other ways to get involved can be found at www.ValueThemBoth.com.

If your parish has not yet hosted a Value Them Both information presentation, contact Lucrecia Nold at the Kansas Catholic Conference at [email protected]

Weber is the executive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference.