General NewsInternational NewsMexicoMoreReligionRoman Catholicism Catholic Activists in Mexico Aid Women in Harmonizing Faith and Abortion Rights by Andrew Wright December 16, 2023 written by Andrew Wright December 16, 2023 5 comments Bookmark 36 In their Mexico City headquarters, the group Catholics for the Right to Decide displays an image of the Virgin Mary alongside a green scarf proclaiming: “Mary was consulted to be mother of God.” This symbolizes their belief that faith and advocacy for abortion rights are not mutually exclusive. The group, embracing Catholic traditions, also supports LGBTQ+ rights. Cinthya Ramírez, an activist with the organization, expresses a common misconception: “Many believe that being a feminist and a Catholic is contradictory.” However, she asserts that their faith does not hinder their advocacy for progress, human rights, and sexual diversity. Established in 1994 by theologians and activists, inspired by the U.S.-based Catholics for Choice, the organization now operates in 10 Latin American nations. It criticizes the marginalization of women in religious circles and calls for a feminist reinterpretation of holy texts. Maribel Luna, another activist, emphasizes the importance of autonomy and questioning church hierarchy, allowing Catholics to freely make personal life choices. This perspective is significant in Mexico, where conservative groups, often dressed in light blue, actively oppose abortion rights. The local Catholic leadership, including Archbishop Carlos Aguiar Retes of Mexico City, often aligns with anti-abortion stances. Religious groups are known for praying outside abortion clinics, leveraging Catholic symbols to emphasize their stance. Meanwhile, groups like the Mexican branch of 40 Days for Life pray for divine intervention to protect lives, reflecting a contrasting viewpoint. Catholics for the Right to Decide addresses these complex issues through a spiritual support group. This team, comprising theologians and clergy from various denominations, offers guidance to women grappling with the conflict between their faith and abortion decisions. The Rev. Rebeca Montemayor, a Baptist pastor involved in the group, mentions a guide they created, rooted in biblical teachings but emphasizing freedom. Women seek their help through various means, often burdened with guilt, even years after an abortion. Rev. Julián Cruzalta, a founding member, speaks of women who have carried this guilt for decades, struggling to find peace. The group maintains confidentiality but shares insights to refine their approach and understand the societal context. Many women who reach out are plagued with remorse and existential questions about sin and damnation. The healing process involves sessions of self-forgiveness, reinterpreting religious texts, and personal reflections to understand past decisions. Beyond this spiritual support, Catholics for the Right to Decide engages in educational initiatives, including university lectures and training for medical professionals. They also produce an animated series titled “Catolicadas,” addressing religious themes. Feedback from the community is heartening. Ramírez recalls instances where individuals, including those from the LGBTQ+ community and women who have had abortions, found solace and acceptance through their work. Montemayor emphasizes their goal of fostering understanding across different faiths, advocating for the freedom to embrace one’s faith without judgment. This coverage of religious matters is part of Big Big News, supported by The Conversation US and Lilly Endowment Inc., with the AP holding sole editorial responsibility. Table of Contents Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Catholic activism MexicoHow do Catholic activists in Mexico support women’s abortion rights while maintaining their faith?What is the stance of Catholics for the Right to Decide on LGBTQ+ rights?How does Catholics for the Right to Decide address the guilt associated with abortion?What educational initiatives does Catholics for the Right to Decide undertake?How do Mexican Catholic activists reconcile traditional Catholic views with their progressive stance?More about Catholic activism Mexico Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Catholic activism Mexico How do Catholic activists in Mexico support women’s abortion rights while maintaining their faith? Catholic activists in Mexico, particularly from the group Catholics for the Right to Decide, advocate for abortion rights by integrating their faith with progressive views on women’s rights. They offer spiritual guidance, emphasize the importance of personal choice in faith matters, and reinterpret religious texts from a feminist perspective. This approach allows them to support abortion rights while maintaining their Catholic beliefs. What is the stance of Catholics for the Right to Decide on LGBTQ+ rights? Catholics for the Right to Decide in Mexico not only supports abortion rights but also actively advocates for LGBTQ+ rights. They believe that their Catholic faith is compatible with promoting sexual diversity and human rights, challenging the traditional religious narratives that often oppose LGBTQ+ inclusivity. How does Catholics for the Right to Decide address the guilt associated with abortion? The organization has set up a spiritual support group led by theologians and faith leaders from various denominations. They provide guidance and comfort to women who struggle with guilt and conflict between their faith and their decision to have an abortion. This includes offering sessions for self-forgiveness, reinterpreting biblical texts, and encouraging personal reflection. What educational initiatives does Catholics for the Right to Decide undertake? Catholics for the Right to Decide extends its advocacy through educational initiatives. This includes conducting lectures in universities, training medical personnel on abortion-related matters, and producing an animated series titled “Catolicadas” that addresses religious themes and promotes progressive viewpoints on faith and rights. How do Mexican Catholic activists reconcile traditional Catholic views with their progressive stance? Mexican Catholic activists, like those in Catholics for the Right to Decide, reconcile traditional Catholic views with a progressive stance by reinterpreting sacred texts with a feminist perspective, emphasizing the Virgin Mary’s choice in becoming a mother, and advocating for personal freedom in faith and life decisions. They challenge traditional norms by advocating for autonomy and the right to dissent from the ecclesiastic hierarchy. More about Catholic activism Mexico Catholics for the Right to Decide Mexico’s Abortion Rights Movement LGBTQ+ Rights and Catholicism Theological Reinterpretation and Feminism Spiritual Support and Abortion Educational Initiatives in Religious Contexts Progressive Catholicism in Latin America You Might Be Interested In Tragic Discovery: Tracing the Journey of the Titan Submersible Israel Formally Announces War, Intensifies Military Actions Against Hamas and Escalates Attacks on Gaza AP Breakthrough Entertainer: Lily Gladstone’s Historic Journey Former CIA Prodigy in ‘Charlie Wilson’s War’ Pens Book, Urges US Support for Ukraine Caution Advised: Truck Accident Spills Five Million Bees Near Toronto, Motorists Urged to Keep Windows Shut Impending State Elections in Germany Foreseen to Favor Conservative Opposition abortion rights faithGeneral NewsInternational NewsLGBTQ+ support CatholicismMexicoreligious reinterpretation feminismRoman Catholicism Share 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail Andrew Wright Follow Author Andrew Wright is a business reporter who covers the latest news and trends in the world of finance and economics. He enjoys analyzing market trends and economic data, and he is always on the lookout for new opportunities for investors. previous post Understanding the Legal Battle of a Texas Woman Denied Prompt Abortion Rights next post Federal Reserve Nearing Unprecedented Success: Taming Inflation Without Deep Economic Downturn You may also like Bookmark A woman who burned Wyoming’s only full-service abortion... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Argument over Christmas gifts turns deadly as 14-year-old... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Danny Masterson sent to state prison to serve... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Hong Kong man jailed for 6 years after... December 28, 2023 Bookmark AP concludes at least hundreds died in floods... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Live updates | Israeli forces raid a West... December 28, 2023 5 comments Emily Parker December 16, 2023 - 10:26 pm Good read but, could use more on the legal aspects of abortion in Mexico, like how does this activism actually impact the law? Reply Carlos Ramirez December 16, 2023 - 10:40 pm i like the focus on spirituality and emotional support, its not just about politics but helping individuals too Reply Sarah Johnson December 17, 2023 - 9:35 am A bit biased? Seems to only show one side of a very complex issue, where’s the voice of more traditional Catholics? Reply Maria Gonzalez December 17, 2023 - 2:10 pm really interesting to see how Catholic activists are rethinking traditional beliefs, specially in a country like Mexico where religion is so influential! Reply John Smith December 17, 2023 - 5:23 pm This article misses some key points, like how the church’s official stance might conflict with these views? It’s not all black and white… Reply Leave a Comment Cancel Reply Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ