Methodist's views on abortion

[Jennifer615]

I am a Christian, and can probably relate to the Methodist church than any other demonination. I attend the Uniting Church in Australia.

There are so many things I love about the Methodist Church.

However, there is one thing I just can't stomach - their pro-choice views on abortion.

Someone said that the United Methodist Church in the USA is a "pro-abortion church". I didn't believe it, so I got onto their website. Well what I saw devestated me! Apparently the UM marched in that "March for Women's Lives" march. Apparently they think it is completely a woman's right what she does with her body (not regarding the body of the unborn child) and they are affiliated with some pro-choice religious group.

I just couldn't believe that any true Christian church could be pro-abortion. I can imagine a few liberal christians who attend church being that way, but a whole demonination that professes Jesus! I am wondering if I should find another demonination, but I don't like these fundamental churches that show no love, but just strict rules.

Are most members of the UM church really pro-life? What do you all think? I would really appreciate your feedback. Thanks.

 

[Qyöt27]

Someone said that the United Methodist Church in the USA is a "pro-abortion church". I didn't believe it, so I got onto their website. Well what I saw devestated me! Apparently the UM marched in that "March for Women's Lives" march. Apparently they think it is completely a woman's right what she does with her body (not regarding the body of the unborn child) and they are affiliated with some pro-choice religious group.

The UMC only condones abortion if the mother's life is in danger. Here is the page on the UMC website discussing it:
http://www.umc.org/interior.asp?mid=1732

 

[SHEApherd]

Jennifer-

I don't know where you read this from, or what page you have entered on the internet, but I can assure that not only does the United Methodist Church, but many members at my Methodist Church NEVER would condone abortion.

Some wouldn't even be OK with abortion even if the mothers life was on the line.

I am personally against abortion, and enjoy those same beliefs and introspectives brought about by members of my UMC church.

I don't know how I feel about the mothers life being in jeopardy, but that hasn't been an issue myself, or anyone around me has had to endure, so I hope that is not something I am challenged with.

Check out Qyöt27 link, it should helps. That is the official UMC website.

 

[kierkegaard214]

I agree with the other two posters. My whole family is Methodist and we are against abortion entirely.

 

[Jennifer615]

I'll try and find some of the webpages I was talking about and either cut & paste, or give the link:

Abortion

The United Methodist Church, along with several other major Protestant denominations, is a long-standing member of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice. As its name implies, the RCRC is an interfaith organization devoted to promoting a woman's right to choose to have an abortion, among other related women's health issues. Following the recent FDA release of mifepristone (an abortion-inducing drug), the president of the RCRC issued a statement praising the drug, and calling its approval "a victory for women as moral decision-makers and for supporters of women as moral agents," and later added that "it does not change the necessity for vigilance against anti-choice tactics and harassment."

The United Methodist Church and AbortionAt its 1972 General Conference the UMC called for the legalization of abortion. The UMC was a founding member of the Religious Coalition for Abortion Rights, which sought "to encourage and coordinate support for safeguarding the legal option of abortion." In one year the Methodist Board of Church and Society contributed more than $400,000 to the abortion rights coalition. The UMC came out in support of the 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision which legalized abortion in the United States.

Here's a good one, from the UMC Women:

http://gbgm-umc.org/umw/statements/march4choice.cfm

I'll try and find more later.

 

[SandyLou]

Hmmm. . . .the UMW link you posted doesn't read to me like that. . .the link you gave begins by saying:

Statement of Women's Division on March for Freedom of Choice
Women’s Division directors are “in touch” with the majority of religious society. While they may not personally agree with the issue of abortion, they believe that the decision should be a personal, moral, and medical decision of the woman. Politics should not make the decision for women.

Therefore, to protect the health of women, Women’s Division directors—along with the General Board of Church and Society -- voted to participate in the April 2004 march: “Save Women’s Lives: March for Freedom of Choice.” Directors do not want the government to determine what is in a woman’s best interest.

For years, anti-choice proponents have claimed that religious people oppose abortion. According to a survey done by Lake, Snell, Perry and Associates, seventy percent of voters agree that the government should not intrude on a woman’s decision whether to have an abortion. Two-thirds say that while they may not choose to have an abortion, they would protect other women’s rights to make that choice. And, 61% of mainline Protestants and non-religious voters favor Roe versus Wade.

The Social Principles of our denomination states: “Our belief in the sanctity of unborn human life makes us reluctant to approve abortion. But we are equally bound to respect the sacredness of the life and well-being of the mother, for whom devastating damage may result from an unacceptable pregnancy.” The principles go on to say that there are tragic conflicts in life that may justify abortion and that the Church supports legal options.

Please also note that this statement was written about an event in spring of 2004. Over a year ago. I think the Methodists are giving us the right and respect to pray, research, and decide for ourselves. Much like God did - He gave us free choice. Over the years, it's gotten us into a LOT of trouble, but I'm happy to have that free gift from God. Abortion is a very, very personal and private matter. Whatever my personal opinions are, I've given my oath before God to uphold the United Methodist Church globally.

 

[markbelieves]

The official position of the church is that they understand the difficulty of the decision when the life of the mother is at risk. I agree with this.

The indicate that thet can not affirm abortion for reasons of birth control and they strongly oppose when used for gender selection. I wish they used the strongly oppose for using abortion for birth control as well.

Also, they do not mention abortions about children possibly having defects. I would expect them to oppose this also. Who are we to second guess God's plan.

The important thing to remember is that the UMC strongly encourages you to develop your own relationship with Christ and let the bible be your guide.

Mark

 

[SandyLou]

Amen Markbelieves!
that was how I read it also.

 

[Ritterkreuz]

The important thing to remember is that the UMC strongly encourages you to develop your own relationship with Christ and let the bible be your guide.

I used to be pro-choice, but over time I have become a staunch pro-lifer. Having read God's word I feel this is the right view.

 

[Jennifer615]

Well, I'm happy that most people her in the UMC oppose abortion. I suppose that's the main thing.

I read the link from QY's post, and it just doesn't seem to be pro-life enough to me. In instances where the mother's life is in danger, then yes, it should be available, or in cases where fetal deformities are incompatible to life, then yes, that should also be a consideration.

In continuity with past Christian teaching, we recognize tragic conflicts of life with life that may justify abortion, and in such cases we support the legal option of abortion under proper medical procedures.

But what about other "unacceptable pregnancies" they spoke about in the article? What do they mean by that? What do they mean by "conflicts of life with life"? A woman falling pregnant in the middle of her college degree? A 16 year old school student falling pregnant? A woman having an adulterous affair and falling pregnant to her lover? A married woman who already has 4 children and doesn't want anymore, and forgot to take the pill? A woman about to embark on a world tour with her friends, and finds she's pregnant?

I can go on and on, but NONE OF THOSE are reasons for killing an unborn child! We MUST be accountable for our actions and choices, and going through a pregnancy so this life within you can live. 9 months of inconvenience doesn't outweigh 75 years of potential life. Why should an innocent baby pay with his/her life because of a mistake of the mother?

I don't believe in abortion in the case of rape either. Unless the victim is very young (about 12) and can't go through a pregnancy, then it is killing an innocent human being for the sins of the father. The woman should get all the support from her family and the government to help her through the pregnancy, then it is up to her whether she keeps the baby or adopts.

 

[flywithchrist06]

I'm totally against abortion....I don't really know the Methodists views on it, i'll look into it another time.

 

[kayanne]

I am encouraged to read that most of you are strongly pro-life. I grew up in a very liberal UMC, and the abortion issue was one of the "last straws" that caused me to leave that church (and in fact, the denomination). At that time in my life, I was fairly involved in our local right-to-life group and crisis pregnancy center. One Sunday I brought some materials to Sunday School to pass around and raise awareness of volunteer and donation needs, I was positively BLASTED! I was screamed at and belittled and told that opinions like mine were responsible for starvation and over-population and blah blah blah. I left church that day in tears and I cried all day! I was about 20 years old at the time, and I guess I had always assumed that all Christians were pro-life. It was not my intention to offend anyone that day, but boy oh boy, the fangs really came out against me.

 

[flywithchrist06]

I am encouraged to read that most of you are strongly pro-life. I grew up in a very liberal UMC, and the abortion issue was one of the "last straws" that caused me to leave that church (and in fact, the denomination). At that time in my life, I was fairly involved in our local right-to-life group and crisis pregnancy center. One Sunday I brought some materials to Sunday School to pass around and raise awareness of volunteer and donation needs, I was positively BLASTED! I was screamed at and belittled and told that opinions like mine were responsible for starvation and over-population and blah blah blah. I left church that day in tears and I cried all day! I was about 20 years old at the time, and I guess I had always assumed that all Christians were pro-life. It was not my intention to offend anyone that day, but boy oh boy, the fangs really came out against me.

I find that kind of ironic i guess...I'm only but a baby Christian but aren't Christians supposed to be slow to be tempered and offended and shouldn't retaliate? I shouldn't say anything because my temper gets the best of me..at least lately it seems like. I dunno I'll quit, but people like that is what turn people from the church, I have a tendency to run from situations like that. In fact I've been through something similar and never went back to that church. My mom made me start going to church with her. I'm glad she did because I love it. But I probably wouldn't have otherwise.

 

[xhristlives]

It appears that some methodist Churches may be overly liberal about the idea of pro-choice, but i can't see how ANY church can feasibly actively promote abortion!!

NB Good News-we Methodists in Britain r definitely not pro-choice...

>>>>Let's Honour Life!<<<<

 

[Dad Sr]

Amen to the Pro life in GB. I have not met anyone - or at least anyone bold enough to speak to me - in the UMC about being pro choice - and I've been Methodist my whole life. Abortion is wrong. It's in the Bible and in our Doctrine as contained in the book of Discipline 2004 - Para161 J). The medical choice between the life of the mother and the life of the unborn child would be extreemly difficult and I am thankful I have not had to make that decision.

There is a pro choice group in the UMC. The reasons for that would require another thread.

Thanks for asking - we need to ask these hard questions and this forum is a good place for us to formulate and debate our beliefs !!!!!

Dad Sr

 

[lismore]

It appears that some methodist Churches may be overly liberal about the idea of pro-choice, but i can't see how ANY church can feasibly actively promote abortion!!

NB Good News-we Methodists in Britain r definitely not pro-choice...

>>>>Let's Honour Life!<<<<

Unfortuneately we are pro-abortion if we let it go on in our country

 

[YknJoker288]

I am Methodist, and am pro-choice.

I think the official church stance is somewhat reflecting political views as well as religious. Also, politically speaking, having the stance of pro-choice is certainly not promoting abortions, rather believing that the government should not or could not properly legislate the issue.