On a chilly October Saturday in Helena, Missoula pastor Mark Pritchard delivered a sermon-style speech from the Capitol steps. He started with a sober reflection on abortion in America, emphasizing the Christian duty to oppose Montana’s CI-128, a constitutional amendment on abortion rights. Pritchard argued that rejecting CI-128 would allow Montana to defy a national trend of expanded abortion rights post-2022’s federal protection rollback.
Pritchard humorously noted, “Montana has more deer than people,” encouraging attendees to sway six others to oppose the measure to secure victory. The rally, attended by anti-abortion advocates, revealed the growing grassroots opposition to CI-128. As the election loomed, pastors, priests, and conservative Christian groups amplified their efforts, using moral arguments to counter the amendment, despite limited financial backing.
Matt Brower of the Montana Catholic Conference highlighted CI-128’s potential to challenge existing abortion laws, stating, “This is a planned strategic approach by the abortion lobby.” The group has mobilized Montana bishops to publicly oppose the initiative and released critical videos. Other organizations, like the Montana Family Foundation, have circulated letters asking pastors for public opposition.
Meanwhile, supporters of CI-128 argue that the amendment is necessary to safeguard reproductive rights against a backdrop of increasing state-level restrictions. The pro-CI-128 campaign, heavily funded by national figures and groups, emphasizes the amendment’s protection of abortion access before fetal viability.
CI-128 aims to enshrine existing abortion rights in Montana’s Constitution, making future restrictions harder to impose. While abortion is currently legal in the state without gestational age limits, the amendment would ensure these rights are constitutionally protected, potentially leading to prolonged legal battles if passed.
Support for CI-128 comes from diverse groups, including hundreds of local healthcare providers who signed a supportive letter. The campaign prioritizes mobilizing supportive voters rather than persuading opponents, aiming to secure a robust turnout. Conversely, opposition groups focus on rallying churchgoers, hoping that religious involvement will thwart CI-128.
Missoula pastor Mark Pritchard continues to rally his congregation, urging them to apply their faith in the voting booth, while some churches remain neutral, advocating for individual choice and freedom of conscience. As debates intensify, the faith-driven opposition sees their efforts as part of a broader spiritual war.
Rachel Laser from Americans United for Separation of Church and State argues that abortion restrictions based on religious beliefs threaten broader religious and reproductive freedoms. The upcoming election will serve as a critical test of how religious beliefs are shaping Montana’s abortion rights.
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