Baptist, Presbyterian Pastors Claim Christians Can Support Killing Babies in Abortions

State   |   Micaiah Bilger   |   Aug 13, 2019   |   7:54PM   |   Frankfort, KY

A small group of Kentucky religious leaders held a press conference this week to insist that they can both be Christians and support the killing of unborn babies in abortions.

Forward Kentucky, a progressive political blog, reported about the press conference, which abortion activists held in reaction to pro-life Gov. Matt Bevin’s comments about his pro-abortion political opponent’s faith. The conference was held at Douglas Boulevard Christian Church in Louisville.

“I support reproductive rights because I am a person of faith, not in spite of my faith,” said Lauren Jones Mayfield of Highland Baptist Church.

However, she contradicted herself when she claimed that Baptists respect the dignity of all people because they are created in the image of God.

“The Baptists I know respect the dignity of all people, which includes the dignity of women who are entitled to safe, legal abortions …” Jones Mayfield said. “The Baptists I know cherish the priesthood of all believers, an idea that each individual is connected to the Divine through their very personhood, which is created in a holy image.”

But unborn babies are people, too. From the moment of conception, they are unique, living human beings who are created in God’s image and deserve protection.

Dr. Derrick Penwell, of Douglas Boulevard Christian Church, argued that Jesus “had nothing to say” about unborn babies, and there is no “consensus on when life begins.”

On the contrary, it is well accepted science that human life begins at conception. Several well-known abortionists, including Willie Parker and LeRoy Carhart, openly admit that they are killing babies.

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And while Jesus did not specifically mention babies in the womb, several passages in the Bible do. Scripture also widely condemns the killing of innocent human beings – which is what abortion does.

Sharon Hordes, of Keneseth Israel, referred to Proverbs 31 to try to justify her abortion beliefs.

“In this poem, the ideal woman is portrayed as strong and capable, not weak, subservient, or incapable of making decisions for herself,” Hordes said. “Rather, she is described as the personification of wisdom, with a great deal of responsibility, both within and outside of her household. I ask you, is this an individual who should not be entrusted with the important choices regarding her reproductive rights?”

Hordes neglected to mention that the Bible clearly condemns certain choices. It does not give Jewish and Christian adherents free reign to make choices without consequences.

The Bible recognizes the value of children, born and unborn, and condemns killing and other violence against the innocent. Even in ancient times, babies in the womb were viewed as valuable, as is evident in Luke 1:41. Jesus placed great value on children when others in society did not in Matthew 19:14, and Proverbs 6:16-17 states that one of the things God hates most is the shedding of innocent blood. One of the ten commandments prohibits murder.

Yet, some faith leaders ignore these passages and deceive their congregations into thinking it is ok – moral, even – to kill a child in the womb.

Others who spoke at the press conference included Tamarra Wieder, public affairs and policy director for Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky Advocates; Wayne Gnatuk, retired Presbyterian minister and chair of KY Coalition for Reproductive Choice; and Dr. Jason Crosby, Crescent Hill Baptist, according to the report.