R2007-05: A resolution in support of pregnant women

Resolved, that this 133rd Annual Convention of the Diocese of Southern Ohio recognize God’s hand in procreation as described in Psalm 139; “You knit me together in my mother’s womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made”; and be it further

Resolved, that the Diocese of Southern Ohio accept the biblical teaching that directs Christians to help those in need, especially the widows and orphans as described in Isaiah 1:17; “learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed.  Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow” and in James 1:27; “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world”; and be it further

Resolved, that the 133rd Annual Convention of the Diocese of Southern Ohio encourage every congregation to develop an outreach program that helps pregnant women.  The diocese further encourages that every parish identify local health, medical, financial, housing and parenting resources in its community and make the information available to pregnant women; and be it further

Resolved, that the Bishop and Diocesan Council or an ad hoc committee appointed by them be directed to compile and distribute to all congregations a list of educational resources consistent with the whole of Resolution A054 of the General Convention 1994 to help clergy and congregations ministering with women who are pregnant.