Presbyterians Pro-Life

Page Brenner, PPL Board member

Firmly rooted in the Bible as God's Word, the Presbyterian Church, along with the whole Christian Church, has stood solidly opposed to abortion as the killing of infants in the past. Recently, however, the Church has taken to accommodating the culture and has drifted away from biblical standards of morality, especially those related to abortion and sexuality.

Presbyterians Pro-Life (PPL) is committed to restoring the Church's witness on these important moral issues. First, the Church is called to proclaim the truth that God is the creator of all life and all life belongs to Him and is precious to Him. Not only must the Church stand against abortion and infanticide, but also now against euthanasia and any other practice that would devalue human life.

Secondly, the Church must also proclaim the Good News that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. The Church must reach out to those who have fallen into sexual sin or who have had abortions, offering them the forgiveness and hope that is only found in Jesus Christ. It is the Church that has the message of grace and hope for a broken world.

Local churches, like Central, are on the front lines of proclaiming these truths and Presbyterians Pro-Life is committed to providing resources for preaching, teaching, and pastoral care ministries.

• PPL has published a book of sermons on abortion, which has encouraged other pastors to break the silence and speak out on this important moral issue.

• PPL has produced a Christian Education curriculum for adults that explores the issues of life from a biblical world view.

• There are materials available to families and churches, which assist in highlighting the godly choice of adoption and the blessing of adoption.

• A resource packet is available for churches who want to teach biblical sexuality and help their youth make a commitment to sexual purity.
• Pro-Life ministry is often "behind the scenes." We have a booklet called, "Pregnant? We'll Help." This extends the church's helping hand to a woman in a crisis pregnancy, and connects her to the lay counseling ministry of the church. At Central, Heidi Bertaux and the Paraclete ministry would be the resources listed.
• The newest resource packet is called "Discovering Grace" and highlights opportunities to minister to women and men affected by abortion decisions and to all those who have lost children before birth. Last March we offered a workshop to equip those interested in post-abortion ministry.

Our denomination does not support the work of Presbyterians Pro-Life. The resources for PPL work -- in prayer, in ministry partnerships, and in contributions -- come from individuals and churches that share our mission and commitment. Many of you, as well as Central, provide that support; and we are grateful.

From this brief description, you can see there are many aspects of pro-life ministry. If you would like to know more or would like to join the Pro-Life Ministry Team here at Central, please contact Page Brenner.