This past week, the New York Senate passed a bill, later signed into law by Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D), that allows women to abort their unborn babies up to birth.
The passing of the Reproductive Health Act prompted an uprising among the pro-life community, while the pro-choice camp cheered it as a victory. Christian leaders, as well as Christian worship artists, took to social media to denounce Tuesday’s decision, which coincided with the 46th anniversary of Roe v. Wade.
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While many voiced their outrage immediately, Pastor Carl Lentz of Hillsong NYC waited until Saturday night.
Lentz shared an old photo to Instagram of him and his three children, Ava, Roman and Charlie, writing, “I found this old photo recently, and I remember it taking me years to process that these LITTLE PEOPLE, had come into our world!”
“A miracle, without a doubt,” he added.
He went on to further explain the sentiment behind the picture: the fact that in the state of New York, these healthy babies of his could have been aborted right up until birth.
“And I’m saddened and angry that we are now a state that has made it legal to have an abortion even into the last day of a pregnancy,” he wrote.
He noted that the reason he had taken a few days to issue a statement on his state’s new law was that he was busy talking to various people about the issue.
“I spent hours talking to lawyers and people who hold opposing views on this issue,” he noted.
Lentz pointed out that he found many who agree with the law argue that the seemingly extreme language is only there to protect mothers who are in danger of dying.
“Although it is layered and there is language in it that some are claiming will protect mothers in peril, the only way I can describe where we are and where this is all headed…is evil, shameful and demonic,” he said.
“I don’t use those words lightly, but they are applicable here,” he added. “Some have said this is strictly a ‘women’s rights issue.'”
Lentz pointed out that he doesn’t “disagree” that it’s a women’s rights issue because it is, for those in the womb.
“We simply believe that WOMEN IN THE WOMB deserve the right to life, deserve the right to breath,” he said. “Laws like this say unless you have a voice, if somebody deems you ‘viable/non viable’ you have no protection.”
“Psalm 139, tells us otherwise,” he noted. “Psalm 139:13-14 reads: ‘For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.'”
Lentz added that he wants to see a change to the law in New York City and that he hopes “God will help us raise our collective voices, to see this change.”
“This cannot stand,” he continued. “I know @hillsongnyc and many many other churches and organizations have been working hard for years to create options and help for those dealing with a pregnancy that is overwhelming for many reasons.”
The pastor added that they will continue to fight for alternate solutions for pregnant women, and those who need help:
“I’m also aware that often ‘pro-life politics’ (while also supporting the death penalty, of course) have been quick to condemn abortion and the people that have them and then be invisible and hypocritical when it comes to helping women in need, in poverty, those who cannot gain access to proper medical care and creating policies that can help those that don’t choose abortion.”
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“Those are facts,” he said. “But this law isn’t about politics. This is about generations of babies that have no defense.”
Lentz ended his post on a promising note, saying, “Despite this dark day, our future is STILL bright because we know where our help comes from. #occupyallstreets.”
The New York City pastor received hundreds of comments on his post, from positive sentiments, to those bashing his views. One of the commenters was Lentz’s mother, Cathy, who commended her son for standing up for what he believes in.
“So good,” Cathy wrote. “Your grandparents took in two unwed mothers at different times for extended months…. giving them money food and monetary support so they would not get abortions!!! That’s what we need to do MORE OF!!!!”
“ADOPT or GIVE the Mother the help and support she needs!!!” she added. “We can do this. We need to do better!!!”