Metro Church Holds Community Gathering Following Roe v. Wade Reversal

Hundreds of Oklahomans gathered at the Mayflower Congregational UCC Church in Oklahoma City Friday in response to the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. 

“We are hoping that this is an opportunity for many people who are feeling distraught, angry and scared to come,” said Rev. Dr. Lori Walke, the Senior Pastor at Mayflower Congregational UCC. 

At one point they were asked to shout how they were feeling, words like angry, tired, scared filled the church walls. 

“If we don’t have autonomy over our bodies we can’t get to freedom,” said Tamya Cox-Touré, the Executive Director of The Oklahoma ACLU. 

“This is not democracy, ripping away bodily autonomy for nearly half the population in the United States…it is not okay,” said Kendra Horn, a Senate Candidate. 

Kaycee Tetreault said she has never spoken about her sexual assault. 

“I myself was raped at 14 and I could have easily been one of the one of those young kids who falls pregnant due to rape. I wouldn’t blame any of those victims for not coming out for fear of future laws,” she said. 

She said the Supreme Court’s Decision to overturn Roe V. Wade gave her the courage to tell her story. 

“I just don’t think that the sperm of my rapist is more important than my rights and my choices,” she said.  

Overcome with anger and sadness she found herself with a sign at a place of worship.  

“I think some people think a church is a weird location, but I think it’s a fantastic location,” she said. 

“This is a matter of faith for us, we believe that God created us as capable morale agents,” said Walke. 

A sense of community brought her comfort during an uncertain time. 

“I’m glad that there are people out here and even though I am only representing my personal story on my sign there are so many reasons why this is wrong and why this needs to be changed,” said Tetreault. 

“Community is sacred, but our liberation is not confined to the systems that have been defined to oppress us,” said Cox-Touré.