Strategy for unintended pregnancies
by Weldon Martens, Henderson, Neb.
The June 2 article "Thoughts on Abortion" led me to consider my own beliefs and work on abortion. Debra Sapp-Yarwood's article rightly notes the challenge, struggle and pain of abortion. In response to her call to "prepare a personal strategy with regard to unintended pregnancies" I offer the following tasks for the entire church. May we:
• Reaffirm our belief that life is a gift from God. We do not take life in any form or for any reason, not because it is sacred but because it is a gift from God, and only God can take life.
• Reassert male involvement and responsibilities in pregnancies and children. We cannot condemn abortion until we decisively condemn male promiscuity.
• Repent of our sin for failing to provide refuge for unwanted children and needy mothers/parents. May we also repent of our sin to take a child's life for whatever reasons.
• Reject privatizing abortion by making it a personal, private matter. It is the responsibility of the whole church community to care for and journey with women facing the challenge of a difficult pregnancy.
• Reject the priority of personal rights. We believe that we do not have a right to our own bodies because when we are baptized we become members of one another.
• Pledge to be a counter-witness to society by being a community of Christ. We will practice hospitality for the unwanted child, journey with women facing a difficult pregnancy and offer God's mercy and forgiveness for the woman who has obtained an elective abortion.
Associated Issue: Thoughts on abortion - June 2, 2009
Associated Article: Thoughts on abortion
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