Nearly naked activist shouting pro-abortion chants disrupts Mass in Michigan

Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Jun 13, 2022 / 15:32 pm

A nearly naked woman disrupted Mass at a Catholic church in Michigan by standing on pew and shouting pro-abortion chants, an online video shows.

“Overturn Roe? Hell, no!” the woman shouted, interrupting the priest's homily. “Abortion without apology!” Two other women visible in the video joined her in the chants and held green cloth bandanna-like banners which often are used by activists with the pro-abortion group Rise Up 4 Abortion Rights.

Ushers escorted the three women out of the church. As they were led out, a man inside the church chanted, “Abortion kills babies! Abortion kills babies!”

The episode took place at St. Veronica Parish in Eastpointe, Michigan, located about a 20-minute drive north of Detroit. The video originally was posted on TikTok and then re-posted on Twitter. A caption on the video says the disruption happened Sunday.

In a statement to CNA, the Archdiocese of Detroit said for the past five weeks it has been alerting pastors and parishes to be aware of security transgressions in other dioceses.

"We are sad to see protestors disrupt a liturgical celebration and disrespect those who were gathered in prayer," archdiocesan spokesman Ned McGrath said. "All religious communities should be free to worship without fear. In the Archdiocese of Detroit, we are committed to accompanying women and families facing difficult or unexpected pregnancies and advocating for laws that protect the lives of unborn babies and mothers." McGrath told CNA that the local police were notified about the disturbance.

The incident is the latest in a growing list of provocations by pro-abortion activists targeting Catholic churches because of the Church’s clear teaching that abortion is a grave evil.

Incidents of vandalism and arson also have taken place at a number of pro-life pregnancy centers across the U.S. since a leaked draft opinion in a Mississpi abortion case suggested a conservative majority on the U.S. Supreme Court is prepared to overturn the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade abortion decision that legalized abortion nationwide.

On Monday, two leading U.S. bishops issued a statement calling for government action to stem the violence.

“Since the leak of the draft opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, charities that support pregnant mothers in need have been firebombed, and pro-life organizations have been attacked almost daily and terrorized, and even the lives of Supreme Court justices have been directly threatened,” read the statement by Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York and Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore.

“In light of this, we urge our elected officials to take a strong stand against this violence, and our law enforcement authorities to increase their vigilance in protecting those who are in increased danger. We thank those who have already done so, and we encourage them to continue,” the statement continued.

“Above all, each of us must choose the path of peace and open our hearts to the love that God has for his children. O Sacred Heart of Jesus, touch our hearts and make them like your own.”

Dolan chairs the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Religious Liberty. Lori is chairman of the Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities.