From Associate Conference Minister Rev. Dr. Barb Doerrer-Peacock:

So, this happened this morning [10/7/2022] in Scottsdale: an ecumenical prayer circle with a number of Jewish clergy and leaders, myself and Rev. Susan Valiquette - First Church Phx, and other clergy and lay people (Independent Catholic, Presbyterian, some others I didn't get). We were gathered for prayer as the 158-year-old draconian abortion ban that was resurrected by a Pima Co. Superior Court judge in September, was being heard by the AZ Court of Appeals. This old law effectively banned all abortions, and criminalized anyone who performed them thus threatening any/all health care providers in AZ with criminal indictments carrying prison sentences if they perform abortions for any reason.

It was a smallish group...but it turns out it we were mighty in our prayers. We received word this afternoon from Civia Tamarkin, an award-winning investigative reporter and documentary director and producer who was with us, that the Court of Appeals issued a stay on the abortion ban! So...though the attorney general may appeal, for now, abortions can continue (at least before 15 wks) in the State of AZ!

Thank you, God, for our continued CHOICE AND LIFE! May your two greatest gifts cease to be set in opposition to one another! May we continue to work and pray for the human rights of all people.

Photo Credit: Sydnee Schwartz/Good Eye! Media