Piloting Faith: If you are going to use religion for political gain...

A Word for the Day...

I live in Georgia, the state that just passed the "Fetal Heartbeat Bill." It bans abortions after 6 weeks, making women liable for murder charges if they have an abortion — and could land us in prison for life. If women leave the state to have a lawful abortion, we become vulnerable to being charged with conspiracy to commit murder. Ten years in prison.

Let's think about this: Six weeks means that a woman would be late for her period by 2 weeks. Most women have irregular period cycles at various points throughout our lives. I feel quite certain that the men writing this bill know nothing about women's health. I also feel certain that women were just criminalized for political gain.

In signing the bill, Georgia Governor, Brian Kemp, said, "Georgia is a state that values life. We stand up for those who are unable to speak for themselves." Sorry, sir. I am calling foul on that. Point in fact - we have the second highest rate of maternal death in the nation. If we have a healthcare crisis, it's about women dying in childbirth.

Let's be clear: this bill isn't about protecting human life. If these legislators were truly pro-life, they would be investing in programs that support early childcare, foster care, affordable healthcare, access to education and raising the minimum wage. Those were the values about which Jesus preached and define the Christian life.

I don't think any of us are "pro-abortion." But if we are going to be religious zealots, let's at least do so with integrity. This bill is racist, sexist and politically motivated. We can do better. This week, the state of Georgia failed.

- Rev. Cameron Trimble, author of Piloting Church: Helping Your Congregation Take Flight

Blessing for the Week

May the God who holds us close
and the God who hopes for our wholeness
who weaves us together as beloved community
and challenges us to become more
bless you now
and always.