Christian Ministry Criticized for Planned Parenthood Partnership
The nation's largest Christian ministry dedicated to housing the poor has drawn criticism from pro-life groups recently over its joint partnership with the nation's largest provider of surgical abortions.
In an agreement with Planned Parenthood, Habitat for Humanity is allowing the group to bypass zoning regulations in Sarasota, Fla., that restrict the opening of abortion facilities "without the presence of a multifamily liner building."
According to a statement released earlier this month by the Sarasota City Commission, Habitat for Humanity will reportedly facilitate the opening of Planned Parenthood in the area through a $10 real estate purchase from the group.
"We are excited to have Habitat be a part of the Planned Parenthood team," a Planned Parenthood representative reportedly said after the agreement.
Jim Sedlak, vice-president of the American Life League, in response, blasted the move by Habitat for Humanity.
"Habitat for Humanity, which claims to be a Christian ministry, says that this was only a real estate transaction. However, Planned Parenthood could not open its abortion facility without Habitat's help," he explained in a statement.
Sedlack added that it was shameful for an organization like Habitat for Humanity to partner with a group that so obviously contradicted its goals of providing a "simple, decent, affordable place to live in dignity and safety" for everyone.
"I don't see how building a residence next to an organization that kills babies, pushes pornography and covers up for rapists gives a family dignity or safety. We are calling on everyone to contact Habitat for Humanity and demand they break this agreement," he said.
Found in 1976 as a Christian non-profit and non-governmental organization by Millard and Linda Fuller in Americus, Ga., Habitat for Humanity has built over 200,000 homes in its cause to provide housing for the needy.