Fact Check Friday- Is abortion too political for the church?

This weeks claim...

“The Church should steer clear of the abortion issue. It’s too political.”

What they say.

In a presidential election year, it seems that every aspect of our lives is politicized. And in the In a presidential election year, it seems that every aspect of our lives is politicized. And in the current climate, to politicize is to polarize. Discussions over challenges, big and small, quickly become debates that separate and alienate churches, families and friends. And one of the issues in nearly all political debates is abortion.

A recent Barna study looked at how the church handles tough questions that have been overly politicized. They found that Pastors feel pressured in two directions. The feel limited in their ability to speak out but pressured that they should (see the illustration below). Homosexuality, gay marriage and abortion topped the list of issues pastors and priests felt the most push and pull of pressure vs limitation.

So don’t be too hard on your local parish leadership. They have an enormous job to bring light to a very dark world. Pray for them! They are in a tough position that sometimes seems like a “no win” scenario. 

Here are some of the reasons church leaders feel hesitant to “preach” about abortion:

We don’t want to have a debate at church.

We need to love people where they are and we don’t want to appear judgmental.

I don’t want to make anyone feel guilty.

It’s a political issue and we are a 501c3 non profit.

I simply don’t feel equipped for the discussion or the backlash.

Ambassadors for Life

The Network of Life has really good news! Our Ambassadors For Life program equips churches to effectively balance truth and love—to provide both clarity and compassion on some of lifes toughest topics. And we start with a social event next week at Cadence Clubhouse.

Let me give you a taste of what's to come with these brief comments on each of the challenges leaders face:

1. We don’t want a debate at church.

   1. Start with the common ground of the sanctity of human life. Discuss what it is to be human and what it means to be created in the image of God.

2. We love people and don’t want to judge them.

   1. Continue to be a church that readily welcomes the lost while pointing them to discipleship resources that affirm their value and purpose.

3. We don’t’ want to make anyone feel guilty.

   1. The reality is, they already do. They are drowning in guilt and you are holding the life preserver.

4. It’s too political.

   1. The culture has taken Biblical issues hostage. The church is plan A and there is no Plan B. Don’t allow the relativity of politics to retain their hold on moral absolutes.

5. I simply don’t feel equipped.

   1. Let’s talk. Come next week for a short introduction to the Ambassadors for Life program.

Church leaders face enormous pressures when tackling today's politicized issues. 

Network of Life offers a program to help congregations find practical tools to bring light to a dark world. Pregnancy Centers like Women’s Choice Network centers offer wholistic help to address the context for abortion. Medical services, life transforming programs, and ongoing care provide women with a true choice—and 80% choose life for their children.

Take It To Prayer

• Pray for your Pastors and Leaders. They need our support and encouragement. 

• Pray for our churches and pastoral leaders to direct women to our centers. Pray that we would become a culture of life so that no one ever feels they have no choice. Let us be the hands and feet of Jesus to those who need us most. 

• Pray for women to see our advertising and respond. Pray for our client website and our outreach to be effective to reach those most vulnerable to abortion.