FCCB Releases Statement Marking 50 Years Since Roe v. Wade Decision

Florida’s Catholic bishops have released a joint statement that observes January 22, 2023 as marking 50 years since the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade. The Catholic Church annually designates January 22 as a day of prayer and penance, called the "Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children.”

The full statement follows:

“Today marks 50 years since Roe v. Wade, the U.S. Supreme Court decision that imposed by judicial ‘fiat’ the most extreme abortion policy in the Western world. It deprived more than 63 million unborn children of their right to life and severely limited the ability of states to mitigate the harms of abortion through legislation. 

On June 24, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization overturned Roe, allowing elected representatives at the state level to once again protect women and their children from abortion. This is a fruit of prayer, born of a commitment to justice."

Full statement for printing and distribution English / Spanish.

Podcast: How Florida Can Be More Pro-Life in 2023

In the wake of Roe v. Wade being overturned, how can the Church renew its commitment to supporting families and mothers in need? What is the state of legal protection for the unborn in Florida, and what further restrictions could we expect the legislature to consider in 2023? 

Michael Sheedy, FCCB's executive director, and Christie Arnold, associate for social concerns and respect life, answer these questions and more in this episode of Catholics Across the Aisle. 

Listen to the podcast here.

Catholic Days at the Capitol: March 7-8, 2023 

You are invited to join Catholics from across the state as they gather in Florida's capital city to learn about the legislative process, advocate for policies that promote human life and dignity, and pray for our elected leaders. By making the trip to Tallahassee and putting your faith and civic responsibility into action, you can make a difference in the lives of fellow Floridians. 

2023 Catholic Days activities include:

• A legislative briefing on policy issues affecting human life and dignity
• Pre-scheduled meetings with lawmakers
• An awards breakfast for Catholic Days participants, Florida's bishops and legislators
• Group photos of each diocesan delegation with their bishop
• The opportunity to view the legislative process in action
• Annual Red Mass of the Holy Spirit concelebrated by the bishops of Florida to pray for those working in the legislative, judicial and executive branches of government

We hope to see you there! Pre-registration with your local diocese is required. See diocesan registration forms and coordinator contact information.