THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 44, NO. 4 | AUGUST 12, 2022
LOOKING BEYOND AMENDMENT LOSS
Archdiocese pledges to continue the fight to protect the unborn
K
ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Now that the “Value Them Both” amendment has been defeated, a big question looms: What’s next? One answer is that the church must redouble its pastoral response. “This turns our attention to our pastoral efforts,” said Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann. “While we can’t protect women and children from abortion by
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By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org
“ WHILE WE CAN’T PROTECT WOMEN AND CHILDREN FROM ABORTION BY THE LAW, WE CAN WITH LOVE. ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN
the law, we can with love. “This makes the work of our pregnancy resource centers more important. We need to redouble our efforts
Left, “Value Them Both” supporters lined 87th St. in Lenexa on Aug. 1 to show their support for the constitutional amendment. The Unite the Light event drew a strong crowd of supporters for the candlelight rally. Below, supporters of “Value Them Both” react to the news that the amendment failed at a watch party in Overland Park. The amendment, which would have removed the constitutional right to an abortion in Kansas, was defeated 59% to 41%. LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
in those areas. I and the church are certainly committed to doing that. And our postabortion ministry becomes even more important.” The church will have its work cut out for it. Chuck Weber, executive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference, said, “Clearly, Kansas is going to grow now as an abortion destination state for the Midwest. “We, as a church, have to step forward with resources and alternatives, like pregnancy resource centers and postabortive services, to offer these women who are being preyed upon by the abortion industry an alternative.”
Saddened but grateful Pro-life activists are “deeply saddened” by the loss, but grateful, too. “We are profoundly grateful for the countless prayers, volunteer hours and sacrifices that so many across the entire state gave to ‘Value Them Both,’” said Debra Niesen, archdiocesan lead consultant for pro-life ministries. “We are so proud of everyone who courageously and joyfully advocated for this very noble and important cause — the defense of preborn children and vulnerable women facing an unplanned or >> See “DRAW” on page 10