QUESTION: I know a WELS member who is actively supportive of abortion rights and am greatly concerned. What should I do?

ANSWER: You have reasons to be concerned and should address this issue with an attitude of Christian love and concern. Some WELS members may favor abortion rights, but most of them remain quiet about it. When you don’t know a person’s stance on an issue, it is hard to address it directly. Yet, when a person is outspoken about a belief, then it becomes a public matter and needs attention.

Matthew 18:15-17 gives us a clear direction for dealing with a brother who is unrepentant. Using that guide, it is best to talk to this person privately. Convey your concern about his or her position and explain the danger that is present when a person promotes the intentional killing of preborn children. Also take time to listen attentively to the reasons given for the person’s support of abortion rights and address each argument with God’s Word. If that does not work, then take one or two others with you and communicate the seriousness of your concerns. One of those other people might be his or her pastor.

Throughout the process, maintain a level of patience and Christian love for this person. Your goal is not to get this person to simply admit that abortion is wrong, but rather to encourage a stronger faith in Jesus Christ and a lifestyle consistent with that faith.