National Baptist Convention Applauds Kamala Harris' Defense Of Legal Abortion

Clip from Vice President Kamala Harris' Remarks at the National Baptist Convention's 142nd Annual Session in Houston, Texas, on September 8, 2022. Remarks on legally killing babies begin at 2:09.

—TRANSCRIPT—

Today we live in unsettled times. The ideals we thought were long established, such as overseas the sovereignty of democratic nations. Here in our own country, the powerful transfer of power in a way that is peaceful. The freedom of voters. Voters. To decide elections. The freedom of women to make decisions about their own future. Even what constitutes the truth. These ideals now hang in the balance. And in this moment, then, we count on the strength and the conviction of our faith leaders to help lead us forward.

As we see gun violence threatening the safety of our communities and the sanctity of our houses of worship, our faith leaders have been among the leaders who demand a ban on assault weapons so that our children do not have to fear their lives as they sit at their desk or kneel in the pew. As new laws in our country are making it more difficult for people to vote, including in this state right here, faith leaders are taking action. Registering voters and driving souls to the polls. Because like generations before, we all know the freedom to vote should be sacred. And our democracy must be defended.

As extremists work to take away the freedom of women to make decisions about their own bodies, faith leaders are taking a stand, knowing one does not have to abandon their faith or deeply-held religious beliefs to agree that a woman should have the ability to make decisions about her own body and not have her government tell her what to do. And she will choose in consultation with her pastor or a priest or a doctor and her loved ones. But the government should not be making that decision.

In this moment, let us heed the words of 1 Corinthians [16:13-14]: "Be on your guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous [it actually says "act like men" in the Greek]. Be strong. And do everything in love."

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmAffazzXN8