Life Chain activists not "confrontational"

Burke Shade
pastor of Cornerstone Reformed Church

Dear Editor:

I would like the opportunity to briefly respond to "Women deserve the right to choose," printed Oct. 9.

First, Shannon and Deidre, the authors, described the Life Chain Oct. 5 in downtown Carbondale as "confrontational." I found this comment to be highly deceitful since it was our event in the first place, and they chose to come and stand among us with signs and expressions that were clearly opposed and confrontationally pointed against us.

Second, the two of them charged us pro-life people with hypocrisy, implying that we support President Bush in Iraq. No one at the Life Chain had any sign saying anything about President Bush or the war in Iraq. They were the ones who brought any and all political considerations into the debate. Our position was clearly stated by our signs: that "abortion kills children," and that "Jesus forgives," meaning those who have had abortions can be forgiven by Christ if they will repent. That guilt can be lifted and cleansed away (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).

Third, as the pro-life minister that did calmly speak with them, I did answer their questions that over 400 U.S. soldiers and probably over 10,000 (not "only 3000") Iraqis have died in the conflict. Maybe more. But that number of 10,400 only amounts to two and one-half days of abortions in America! Every day over 4000 children have their lives snuffed out by abortion, almost a million and a half per year! The cost of human suffering in Iraq nowhere equals what is happening in America. Since abortion was legalized in America, we have killed more than all the population of Iraq.

Fourth, yes, I agree with them that the women who have abortions and the doctors who perform them are guilty of murder. Certainly, the doctors are more so since they know what they are doing; often the women are less guilty because of the traumatic circumstances and deceptions surrounding the abortion process. Many of them do not realize till much later what they have done, and I sympathize with them. And yes, judgment is left to God, but he requires his rulers to also judge for him in temporal matters (Romans 13:1-8).

Finally, if it would be helpful to clarify positions and encourage open debate, I would be happy to meet with them for further discussion.

Burke Shade, pastor of Cornerstone Reformed Church

Copyright 2009 - Daily Egyptian