As Catholics and people of faith, who are we if not our relationship with God? It’s a complex, personal and sacred truth unique to each of us.

For my friend and colleague, state Sen. Joseph Cervantes, that core truth was attacked earlier this month when he was refused Holy Communion during a small Mass in the Mesilla Valley, where we call home. Since speaking with Joseph, I’m still feeling the sting of what happened in deeply personal ways. Yet his concerns — and mine — have quickly shifted to the dangerous message this punitive decision sends to everyday New Mexicans and those across our nation.

Public scrutiny of elected officials is fair and valid. But what weighs heavy is that so many others are bearing witness to this moment. For those who may have felt like these actions labeled you a sinner or cast you from the light of our faith, you are not alone. I see you, and so many of us stand with you.

As a mama, Chicana and Catholic raised in this diocese, I know pregnancy is sacred, and that’s exactly why I recognize that these decisions forever belong in the hearts of those holding these immense responsibilities. And while select voices within the church hierarchy may think they can dictate what’s best for our families and chastise us if we fail to act according to their views, our faith also teaches us to care for our fellowship by caring for our communities.

As Cervantes recently shared regarding New Mexico’s repeal of unconstitutional 1969 statute that criminalized abortion, “I wanted to encourage values based on inclusivity, understanding, forgiveness and compassion, which are the core of Christ’s teachings.” I wholeheartedly agree.

The cultural war being waged by overreaching American bishops couldn’t come at a worse time for women and pregnant people in our country.

Earlier this summer, Texas passed one of the most dangerous anti-abortion bills this country has ever seen, which goes into effect in a matter of weeks. In Washington, D.C., the Supreme Court has announced it will hear a case that brings the basic protections of Roe v. Wade into question. This could eliminate or severely restrict access to abortion — even before a pregnancy is viable — in nearly half the states in our country.

New Mexico, however, will remain a place of solace, refuge and care, thanks to the courageous work of the Legislature, governor, Indigenous leaders and New Mexicans from across this state who organized to protect our access to safe and legal abortion. We’ve protected the long-standing access to health care that New

Mexicans and others have relied on for decades and firmly planted our state on the right side of history.

Advocating for the pregnancy-related care people may need over their lifetimes has been a significant part of my career. Through my experiences, I’ve learned that the overwhelming majority of Catholics and communities of faith agree — we can hold our own moral views about abortion and still trust a woman and her family to make decisions themselves. I am called to this work because of my faith, not in spite of it.

Ultimately, when the end of my life is near, I hope to have lived every day practicing the tenets of the church and family of faith that raised me — forgiveness, compassion and love.

For today, I will pray for, hold close and honor the women and families who’ve navigated their own complex pregnancies — whether they’ve suffered through miscarriages and losing little ones they wanted, worried about the immense weight of parenting and raising kids, or made their own decision to terminate a pregnancy. They are all New Mexicans who deserve our support, not our judgment.

State Rep. Micaela Cadena is a Democrat representing District 33 in Doña Ana County.