There have been a lot of stories in the news lately about Planned Parenthood and the selling of fetal body tissue. People are upset that an organization, especially one that receives more than half a billion in taxpayer dollars each year, could ever do such a thing. This is an organization that is trusted by many Americans, whether they use Planned Parenthood for its services or not. The name and brand carry weight. There is perceived credibility, and many people are now realizing that the organization they trusted is doing abhorrent things. Some are outraged at Planned Parenthood.
The Senate held a vote to reallocate funds that currently go to Planned Parenthood to other women’s health clinics that provide similar services. That vote did not pass. Some people are outraged at our lawmakers’ inability or lack of desire to stop the funding of Planned Parenthood.
People are posting all over social media, and there are heated exchanges between friends and relatives. Deep-seated emotions on both sides are causing divisions between people who’ve been close. It is difficult to understand someone who holds an opposing view, especially when you hold your own view so dear. Some of us are outraged at friends and family members for their views.
I’ve personally looked for prominent pastors to stand up and shout from the rooftops about what is going on. I want to see pastors who’ve spoken out for LIFE in the past, as well as those who’ve shied away from the issue, rise up and declare how wrong this is, and then lead their people—and our culture—to a clear, biblical understanding of the sacredness of human life. I confess that I became outraged when America’s church leaders weren’t saying much.
As I prayed about my reaction and sought the Lord’s direction, the Lord reminded me that many pastors simply don’t feel equipped to talk about such sensitive subjects. Many are concerned they will hurt those in their congregations who’ve had abortions. Others are concerned they may not get the facts right. Still others are frightened by the potential backlash. And for some, abortion is a part of their own story, so it is just too personal and painful for them to go there.
After thinking through all of this, I decided I needed to help. I once preached week to week, and I know how hard it is to be informed of all that is going on. Through my work with Human Coalition, I now live in this space. So I know I can help my fellow pastors dissect these videos; break down the real issues; clarify talking points; and help them clearly, concisely, and with compassion and grace, talk about abortion in a way that is helpful for their congregations.
To that end, we’ve developed a website containing all of the videos and a breakdown of each one. It also helps to understand some of what Planned Parenthood is saying in their defense, as well as to have some general talking points and helpful resources for pastors. You can find all of that information here…..
I would encourage you, if you’re a pastor, to go to this site and sign up to receive notifications whenever we add more content—particularly about the videos as they are released. If you are not a pastor, I encourage you to do the same thing, but then share this information with your own pastor and encourage every pastor you know to go to the site to become informed and equipped.
I pray this is helpful information. Please share your thoughts and ideas about other resources or information you’d like to see on the site. Our constant prayer is that we’d see an end to abortion in America in our lifetime. Would you join us in that prayer?
It’s easy to sit back and blame the church for allowing the “culture of death” to get this far, I never considered Priests and Pastors may have their personal reasons for avoiding the topic. We simply assume they will bring it up if it’s the right thing to talk about.… Read more »
Thank you, Joel, for sending this to the Priest. Church leaders need to be encouraged to talk about these difficult topics and knowing that someone, some people, support them going in is incredibly helpful.
I am a member of Lutheran for life in Duluth MN. But I think you are on the right road to change the nation may God bless you for all that you do for God’s little unborn children. There is so meney places in the Bible that God speaks out… Read more »
This should not be a religious debate . The Bible never condemns abortion, and Jewish law states that you are not Biblically alive until your first breath. God even gave a “magic potion” for abortions. This should be out of the churches–secular issue only, as it was 40 years ago–when… Read more »
Sandy – I highly recommend you read my book, Deliver Us From Abortion, which clearly shows how the Bible deals with abortion. You can download it for free here. The Bible clearly states that every human being is created in the image of God and makes no distinction in value… Read more »
I pray God gives these pastors the courage and voice to speak out against abortion and this atrocity called Planned Parenthood. Amen.