by Pastor Michael Salemink
Let’s talk about something besides coronavirus, okay? We got a good indicator of how we’re doing a few years ago. A 2017 Pew Research survey reported that 51% of respondents claiming membership in an LCMS congregation believe that abortion should be illegal in all or most cases. But perhaps the real story is that a further 46% of those Lutherans—almost half—believe abortion should be legal in all or most cases.
Another study from 2016 offers insight into the reasons why. CareNet, a nationwide network of pregnancy resource centers, commissioned research that found more than 1 in 3 (36%) women were attending a Christian church once a month or more at the time of their first abortion. In other words, we have active members of our congregations undergoing abortion—and often secretly carrying grief and guilt. More than half (52%) of churchgoers who have had an abortion state that no one at church knows they have had an abortion.
Only 4 in 10 post-abortive women (43%) feel it’s safe to talk with a pastor about it. Half of these ladies (49%) believe that pastors’ teachings on forgiveness don’t seem to apply to abortion. Three in four (76%) women indicate local churches had no influence on their decision to terminate their pregnancy. Mathematically, that must include a significant proportion of the ones actively participating in some of our churches.
A further poll from the same year boils down the bottom line. Only 1 in 10 pastors and priests have preached on pro-life issues in the last six months. And only 5.5% (1 in 20) of Protestant pastors acknowledged having a life-affirming ministry in their church. At least some are hearing the cautions and comforts of Christ crucified, but not nearly enough.
I hear regularly from women and men who have participated in a past abortion. They’re Christian women and men, Lutheran women and men. Two common themes run through the experiences they share.
First, they lament that when they were considering abortion, no one from their church spoke to them either publicly or privately about its ethics and alternatives. These sisters and brothers desperately desired guidance, a Word from the Lord. They deeply needed direction, and from their Christian loved ones, none came. Some have even disclosed how their pastors counseled them toward abortion.
Second, in the decades since, they’ve suffered alone. They have longed for their pastors and parishes to name abortion specifically a sin. They’ve hungered to hear the atonement and forgiveness of Jesus Christ proclaimed directly to it. And when they have finally encountered that courageous Law and compassionate Gospel, they rejoice. Far from offending them, these declarations provide precious relief and healing that sustains their trust in our Heavenly Father and their anticipation of everlasting life in His fellowship.
This is why we keep working. This is why Lutherans For Life needs you. This is why we appreciate you so very much. More and more hearts are hearing Jesus died for them and God loves them. More and more are waiting to know that they don’t have to settle for death, that the body of Christ has a better way. Abortion advocates have no fear asserting what they imagine the Scriptures say or don’t say about the sanctity of life. Why shouldn’t our enthusiasm overshadow theirs? If Satan’s grown comfortable convoluting our truth, doesn’t the certainty and sensitivity our Savior has given welcome and even compel us eagerly to call out the devil’s lies?
For the sake of our nation, we speak words of warning. For the sake of our neighbors, we speak words of winning over. For the sake of our brothers and sisters, for the sake of the communion of saints, for the sake of the Gospel mission, we will not fall silent. And we will not sit still.
Thank you for urging us onward.