Editor’s note: The following is a transcript of a video released June 24 by the Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC). From the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., acting ERLC President Brent Leatherwood talks about the impact of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

More lives are now protected today than yesterday. This morning’s release of the Dobbs Supreme Court decision marks a true turning point for the pro-life movement. It is a turning point that we have continually prayed and advocated for.

For 50 years, Christians, pro-life activists and many others have worked tirelessly to get to this moment. Their commitment to human dignity and justice has achieved the most significant victory in the history of the pro-life movement. Each and every single person who has been part of this effort can and should rejoice.

But even as this chapter comes to a satisfying close, we must understand this is not the end of our important work. The issue of abortion has now been turned over to the states. In effect, the major change for us is proximity. Instead of solely pleading our case before federal officials and courts right here in Washington, our work will now take us just down the road, to our state capitals, where our neighbors are helping to make decisions.

That means a consistent, convictional, pro-life witness is needed now more than ever in our legislatures and local communities. That same urgency, that same moral clarity and that same Christian witness and kindness is needed now as much as ever.

Let us continue working toward a day where abortion is no more, our God-given rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are extended to the pre-born so that a new birth of freedom will be made available to a new generation.

Let us rejoice that we live in a nation where past injustices can still be corrected. And let us roll up our sleeves together once more and get to work loving and serving women and caring for their children.

Your ERLC is here to help, and we can’t wait to partner with you to save pre-born lives, serve vulnerable mothers and support the flourishing of families right next door.

(EDITOR’S NOTE – Brent Leatherwood currently serves as acting president of the ERLC, as well as vice president of external affairs and chief of staff.)