Michigan Clergy Endorse Proposal 3 in Last-Minute Conservative Shift

A growing number of faith leaders are throwing their support behind Proposal 3 in Michigan.

By Kyle Kaminski

November 7, 2022

MICHIGAN—More than a dozen faith leaders from a wide range of denominations from across the state gathered for a summit of sorts to encourage Michiganders to vote yes on Proposal 3 on Nov. 8—joining a growing list of conservative voices who now support the initiative to protect reproductive freedom.

Among those in attendance: Pastor Elizabeth Friedman of Lord of Light Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor; Rabbi Asher Lopatin, founding rabbi of Kehillat Etz Chayim in Detroit; Pastor Dale Milford of United Methodist Church in Farmington; and Catholics for Choice President Jamie Manson.

All of them support Proposal 3, one of three ballot issues in Michigan set to be decided in the General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 8. If approved, the measure will enshrine abortion access in the state Constitution, and block a 1931 law that outlaws abortion in nearly all circumstances.

In a statement, Lopatin said laws that restrict abortion access bar him from practicing judaism.

“In modern Orthodox tradition, the denomination of Judaism that I observe, our stance is clear. Abortion is not only permitted, but at times required if the life of the pregnant person is in danger,” he said.

Milford quoted a section of the Book of Discipline, which says: “Governmental laws and regulations do not provide all the guidance required by the informed Christian conscience.”

“Therefore, a decision concerning abortion should be made only after thoughtful and prayerful consideration by the parties involved, with medical, family, pastoral, and other appropriate counsel.”
Pastor Dale Milford, United Methodist Church

Added Manson: “Polls consistently show that a majority of US Catholics believe abortion access should be legal in all or most cases. We hope that this faithfully pro-choice majority will flock to the polls in Michigan to vote yes on Proposal 3.”

In addition to lifelong Republican William Milliken Jr. recently releasing a video explaining his support for Proposal 3, several conservatives also offered their support at an event in Grand Rapids on Saturday. Among them: Philanthropist Judy Frey—who shared a personal story of how abortion access helped her to maintain her ability to bear children.

Frey also introduced Michigan OB/GYN Dr. Melissa Bayne.

“Our top priority is always the health, safety, and well-being of our patients,” Bayne said. “It’s a common-sense measure that will ensure we can continue providing the same safe, legal and highly-regulated reproductive health care we have been for decades.”

Longtime Republican strategist Jeff Timmer also spoke at Saturday’s event.

“I’m supporting Proposal 3 because healthcare is not a partisan issue,” he said.

Author

Kyle Kaminski

Kyle Kaminski is an award-winning investigative journalist with more than a decade of experience covering news across Michigan. Prior to joining The ‘Gander, Kyle worked as the managing editor at City Pulse in Lansing and as a reporter for the Traverse City Record-Eagle.

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