Largely thanks to campaigning Christians, one of the most wicked proposed changes in the law ever to have been conceived in this country has failed to win approval.
An amendment to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, intended to legalise abortion for any reason up to birth, has been withdrawn after being selected by the Speaker for debate and a vote.
Well done, those who took the trouble to awaken the conscience of their MPs; the conscience of our nation as a whole is at stake.
According to Nola Leach of Christian campaigning group CARE, this was thanks to numerous MPs who powerfully spoke against it after being briefed by the organisation ahead of the debate.
Care in action
Writing to supporters, Nola said: “We praise God that this extreme amendment therefore has not been passed. MPs have told us about the high volume of emails and letters they received from constituents like you! Your help has clearly made a real difference.
“Had the amendment passed, it would have opened the door to sex-selective abortion on demand, for any reason, up to birth. Of course, we need to remain vigilant for further attempts to change the law in this respect. The Police Bill now moves to its Third Reading before it goes to the House of Lords, and I will keep you updated with what happens.”
Speaking up for life
That such proposals even got as far as being tabled – it would have left us with one of the most liberalised abortion laws in the world – shows how sick our society has become. But it is so encouraging that there is still a sizeable remnant of compassionate believers who are prepared to make a difference, and let their voices be heard. I was so proud of my wife as she dutifully wrote of her concerns to our MP, Dame Rosie Winterton.
But Jesus has the victory over death and destruction, and is right beside those who seek to promote justice and righteousness, along with life, health and peace to a very sick society.
It’s all too easy for us to throw our hands up in the air and give up in defeat as a deluge of godless humanism threatens to overwhelm us.
But Jesus has the victory over death and destruction, and is right beside those who seek to promote justice and righteousness, along with life, health and peace to a very sick society.
At the same time, we also await the result of a landmark challenge to the law allowing babies with serious disabilities to be aborted up to birth.1
A detestable practice
As I have said before, I believe the plague of coronavirus, which threatens to keep upsetting our plans for the foreseeable future, is, at least in part, a judgment from the Lord for the shedding of innocent blood – nine million unborn children in this country alone since 1967.
The prophet Ezekiel warned of judgment against the ancient Israelites for such detestable practices as sacrificing their sons in the fire (Ezek 20:31) and of having “blood on their hands” for doing so (Ezek 23:37). And Amos railed against religious feasts and noisy singing when not accompanied by justice (Amos 5:21-24).
Last autumn, I asked how many were taking to the streets of modern Britain on behalf of these suffering ones who have simply been considered industrial waste to be thrown into hospital incinerators. Now that question has been answered, Hallelujah!
The abortion debate and communion
God has not given up on us. We still have the capacity to challenge the status quo, and I am encouraged by the Roman Catholic bishops in America who are threatening to deny communion to politicians promoting abortion in a move which could be a game-changer as U.S. President Joe Biden is a Catholic churchgoer. As a Democrat, he is merely following standard policy, but will this mean having to choose between party policy and excommunication?
I understand, however, that the Vatican is against the idea, on the basis that it amounts to using communion as a “political weapon”. For his part, Mr Biden says his thinking on abortion is a “private matter” and that, anyway, he doesn’t anticipate being banned from communion.2 But at least it’s being debated at high level.
All of which serves to remind us that we do indeed have the potential to affect the political process. If Christians will only stand up to be counted, and make their voices heard loud and clear, while repenting of their own neglect in this area as they seek the Lord in prayer, they can bring healing to an ailing world.
Life is sacred
Let us not look the other way, like most of the German church as Jews by the million were sent to their deaths. In this latest silent holocaust, may Christians continue to lead the way in raising their voices on behalf of those who have no voice.
In this latest silent holocaust, may Christians continue to lead the way in raising their voices on behalf of those who have no voice.
Well done, those who took the trouble to awaken the conscience of their MPs; the conscience of our nation as a whole is at stake. Among the seven things God hates are “hands that shed innocent blood” (Prov 6:17). Life is sacred, and we must choose life, not death.
Endnotes
1The case involving Heidi Carter and Maire Lea-Wilson, whose son Aidan has Down’s syndrome.
2US Catholic bishops approve document that could lead to Biden being denied Communion over abortion support, Independent, 18th June 2021 & Vatican Warns Catholic Bishops About Denying Communion to Pro-Abortion Politicians LifeNews.com, 14th June 2021
