‘Shameful and demonic’: 5 pastors, faith leaders condemn NY abortion law
Carl Lentz
Pastor Carl Lentz of Hillsong NYC took to Instagram to say he is “saddened and angry” following the decision.
Lentz shared an old photo to Instagram of him and his three children, Ava, Roman and Charlie, writing, “I found this old photo recently, and I remember it taking me years to process that these LITTLE PEOPLE, had come into our world!”
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“A miracle, without a doubt,” he added.
The pastor explained that in the state of New York, his children could have been aborted right up until birth. Lentz said he spent hours talking to lawyers and people who hold opposing views on the issue. In doing so, he found many who agree with the law argue that the seemingly extreme language is only there to protect mothers whose lives are at risk.
“Although it is layered and there is language in it that some are claiming will protect mothers in peril, the only way I can describe where we are and where this is all headed … is evil, shameful and demonic,” he said.
“I don’t use those words lightly, but they are applicable here,” he added. “Some have said this is strictly a ‘women’s rights issue.'”
Lentz pointed out that he doesn’t “disagree” that it’s a women’s rights issue because it is, for those in the womb.
“We simply believe that WOMEN IN THE WOMB deserve the right to life, deserve the right to breathe,” he said. “Laws like this say unless you have a voice, if somebody deems you ‘viable/non viable’ you have no protection.”
“Psalm 139, tells us otherwise,” he noted. “Psalm 139:13-14 reads: ‘For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.'”
Lentz said he hopes “God will help us raise our collective voices, to see this change.”
“This cannot stand,” he continued. “I know @hillsongnyc and many many other churches and organizations have been working hard for years to create options and help for those dealing with a pregnancy that is overwhelming for many reasons.”
The pastor added that they will continue to fight for alternate solutions for pregnant women, and those who need help:
“I’m also aware that often ‘pro-life politics’ (while also supporting the death penalty, of course) have been quick to condemn abortion and the people that have them and then be invisible and hypocritical when it comes to helping women in need, in poverty, those who cannot gain access to proper medical care and creating policies that can help those that don’t choose abortion.”
“Those are facts,” he said. “But this law isn’t about politics. This is about generations of babies that have no defense.”
Lentz ended his post by stating, “Despite this dark day, our future is STILL bright because we know where our help comes from. #occupyallstreets.”
