Government can’t value one Christian faith over another. Vote no on Kansas amendment
I am a retired Presbyterian pastor who has lived in Kansas for 37 years. I have officiated hundreds of weddings and baptized more than 1,000 children. During my years of service, I have shared with families celebrating the most joyous occasions of their lives. And I have supported families through some of the most agonizing moments in their lives, too.
This unique perspective, combined with my knowledge of Scripture and the wisdom and pastoral teachings of my denomination, lead me to vote no on the Kansas constitutional amendment on the Aug. 2 ballot. I do not support eliminating religious freedom for women, banning their right to make medical decisions about pregnancy and potentially putting their lives at risk.
For 50 years, the Presbyterian Church has studied and prayed about abortion. As a result, my denomination affirms a woman’s right to make decisions about her body and her life. We believe women are made in the image of God and thus have the moral capacity to make faithful choices. Presbyterians, like other people of faith, affirm this because Scripture teaches that God respects, values and trusts women. The role Mary, the mother of Jesus, played in spreading the gospel is evidence of such truth.
The current Kansas Constitution also respects, values and trusts women. It should not be changed. To do so is to deny women their God-given rights and take away their constitutional freedom.
Abortion is a complex moral issue. I know of no one who has approached that choice casually. It cannot be resolved legislatively. Instead, decisions concerning abortion should be rooted in a person’s belief system, with aid from doctors and whatever support structures she chooses. And we should prayerfully and humbly trust in the mercy and love of God to guide a woman’s conscience with regard to this personal matter.
Pregnancies differ. There are many reasons someone may need to have an abortion. Since Roe v. Wade was overturned, we have heard many heartbreaking stories of women’s struggles as they face difficult options. While we may differ in our opinion about those options, it is never appropriate for us to pass judgment or to impose our will on another individual.
Some would have us believe the Bible condemns abortion. It does not. Some would have us believe the Bible prohibits abortion. It does not. While Psalm 139 tells us God knits us together in our mother’s womb, it is only when God breathes into our nostrils “the breath of life” that we become living beings, as in Genesis 2:7.
Instead of opposing abortion, the Bible repeatedly affirms God’s belief in and support of women and their ability to make faithful moral decisions. Remember women are made in God’s image. Their God-given rights should be respected. The proposed amendment to the Kansas Constitution violates these truths.
While this is my belief — and that of many Christian denominations — I understand there are sincere religious differences regarding abortion. However, the government imposing one belief system over another suppresses the sacred religious convictions held by those with a different interpretation of God’s will. Therefore, it is essential that we honor the freedom necessary for each woman to make the decision that is right for her, according to her personal conscience and moral compass.
Abortion is already heavily regulated in Kansas. There are waiting periods, bans on government funding, bans on abortion after viability and numerous other regulations. This constitutional amendment is unnecessary. It gives politicians the power to pass any law they want regarding abortion, including a complete ban on the procedure with no exceptions for rape, incest or to save the life of the mother.
If we pass this amendment, we are putting the lives of our daughters, granddaughters and future generations of women at risk. I urge Kansans to join me and thousands of Christians in voting no on Aug. 2.
This story was originally published July 20, 2022 at 5:00 AM.