Statement on Abortion

STATEMENT FROM THE PUBLIC MORALS COMMITTEE OF THE EVANGELICAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ABOUT ABORTION SERVICES

19 May 2022

The assault on biblical standards of morality in our Province continues apace. Where once there was some regard for those standards, today there is none. Back in 2019, Westminster foisted a draconian and heartless abortion regime on Northern Ireland at a time when the Assembly wasn’t meeting. Now the Secretary of State, Brandon Lewis, has added insult to injury by instructing the Department of Health to set up a fully-funded abortion service for Northern Ireland within days or weeks. He claims he has a “moral duty” to do so. The irony of that comment will not be lost on the many people, right across the community divide, who regard abortion on demand as grossly immoral and who will therefore be appalled at this latest development.

We are fully aware that abortion is a highly sensitive issue and we understand the need to support women who find themselves facing unwanted or difficult pregnancies. However, two lives are involved and compassion must be shown to both. The latest move by the Secretary of State will mean that even less compassion will be shown to the unborn child. That is a tragedy. It is also a blight on any society that claims to be caring and civilised. May the Lord have mercy upon us.

Rev Robert Johnston

Convenor

Public Morals Committee

Evangelical Presbyterian Church