Bulletin July 2022
by Bruce Billington
Roe vs Wade
In what can only be described as an incredible and surprising event, on Friday June 24, 2022 the United States Supreme Court ruled to overturn the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, thereby revoking abortion as a constitutionally protected right and sending the decision on abortion legislation back to the individual states. The 6-3 decision came as a break from nearly 50 years of legal determinations by the Supreme Court Justice System, who had previously reaffirmed the Roe decision in the 1992 Planned Parenthood v. Casey decision.
Of course, this legislation will not prevent abortion in the U.S. Each State will now decide for themselves whether to allow it or not, which then raises the question of whether women will be allowed to cross borders to have an abortion in a State where it remains legal. However, many States have already actioned the decision resulting in the immediate closure of abortion clinics.
The horror of the recent history of abortion is undeniable. Since the earlier decision more than 2,360 children in America have been aborted every day. That is over 8 million per year for nearly 50 years – which equals 45 million babies aborted!! No war, despotic leader or vicious regime ever got near to debauchery on this level. How did we ever come to this, while claiming to be civilised nations? It is beyond horrific.
Supporting all of this was 50 years of lies, bad science and the complete denial of the devastating effects that abortion has, not only on the babies, but also on the expectant mothers that give themselves to it. Abortion brings a huge, and terrible price tag with it, resulting in suffering that extends way beyond the act of the pregnancy termination.
We must applaud all of those who invested heart, soul, sweat, and tears by working in pregnancy centres, counselling many pregnant mothers who were considering abortion, fundraising, taking people into their homes and on the list and services go. This is not to mention the long suffering, ceaseless prayers from so many troubled saints. Last but certainly not least, we must also applaud every one of the wonderful mothers who did carry full term and enabled a precious child to experience life on earth.
Please do not think this decision will be taken lightly. The Satanic forces that inspire such evil will now be furious and are already on attack. This battle will be contested, both in the heavenly realm and on earth.
Should we be afraid – no! We are appropriating a victory that has already been won. Part of our calling as the body of Christ is to take back the territory that God has given us – territory that which we alone have the right to occupy. Pulling down strongholds is an important part of this (2 Corinthians 10:5).
However, I want to express a word of caution here as well. I have some real concerns at the way we treat, or may treat, those who either disagree with us or have had abortions in the past.
In Ephesians 6:12 the Apostle Paul informed us that, – “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
So many women who chose to have abortions are lost, in deep despair, misguided and alone. They simply cannot face the extra demands that having a child brings to them and feel totally trapped when discovering they are pregnant. As the choice to have an abortion no longer becomes an easy option, we must continue, or even multiply our efforts to reach out to them. They are not the enemy, despite their anger, rage, and militant cries at us. Each one of them, like the babies they are carrying, are created in the image of God, and are precious in His sight.
It is the role of the body of Christ to offer help and support to mums, dads, and babies. This also means that, on top of any help we can bring to their situation, we must also offer them love and care in such a way that it may well remove the consideration of abortion from their minds. The cry of Jesus always rings out to these people, even those who are cursing us or Him – “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).
This will take a lot of work, sacrifice and a deep expression of the love and grace of God. Not everyone will have a hands-on role here. The Holy Spirit will make it clear who is called to various forms of action and how that should be expressed. However, we all should embrace the burden of the pain, confusion and anxiety that comes to many who find themselves pregnant and the poor choices that put them in this situation.
These are just some of issues that we must now concern ourselves with, going forward.
God bless you.
Bruce Billington