As a pastor, I am often asked where faith fits into our most contentious political debates.
And few issues ignite as much passion as abortion.
Opinion
Yet, for those who follow the teachings of Christ, the question should not be whether we align with a particular political ideology but whether we are living out the radical love, justice and compassion that Jesus modeled.
In Wyoming, where recent legislation threatens to shut down the state’s only in-clinic abortion provider, it is time for Christians to speak clearly: Reproductive freedom is not at odds with our faith. It is a matter of moral agency, human dignity and justice.
Too often, opposition to abortion is framed as the only “Christian” stance. This is a profound misunderstanding of both scripture and tradition.
Nowhere in the Bible does it explicitly condemn abortion. What it does show, time and again, is God’s deep concern for the well-being of the vulnerable — women, the poor, the marginalized. When laws strip away reproductive autonomy, they do not eliminate difficult choices. They simply force women, especially those in low-income or rural areas, into greater precarity and suffering. A law that closes the only in-clinic provider in Wyoming is not a pro-life victory.
It is a policy of cruelty masquerading as moral righteousness.
Christian faith is built on the principle of free will. God does not coerce; God invites.
From the Garden of Eden to the teachings of Jesus, we see a consistent theme: God gives human beings the ability to make moral choices.
Forced pregnancy is not a reflection of divine love. It is a violation of the dignity and autonomy that God grants to each person.
Moreover, reproductive freedom is a public health issue. The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate of any developed nation, and Wyoming already faces critical gaps in maternal care.
The same legislators who claim to protect life refuse to expand Medicaid, provide paid family leave or support affordable child care. If the goal were truly to reduce abortion, lawmakers would advocate for comprehensive sex education, contraception access and economic policies that make parenthood a sustainable choice. Instead, they impose punitive restrictions that harm the very people Christ commands us to care for.
The Gospel teaches us to embody humility and care in how we treat others, especially in times of struggle and uncertainty. Jesus’ ministry modeled an approach that prioritized compassion over control, meeting people where they are and lifting their burdens rather than adding to them.
Communities thrive when their members are healthy and supported. Ensuring health care access strengthens families, fosters resilience and builds self-sufficiency.
When a woman cannot access the care she needs, her health, economic stability and ability to care for others are at risk. Denying access to reproductive health care harms not just individuals, but also families and entire communities.
Christ’s call to gentleness and humility reminds us that we are not tasked with dictating the choices of others but with creating spaces of refuge and support where they can find guidance and grace. Supporting women in accessing the care they need reflects this love — meeting them in moments of need without judgment and trusting that God is present in their discernment.
True Christian love involves walking alongside people in their challenges and recognizing that God calls each of us to different paths.
For many women, access to reproductive health care, including abortion, is a critical part of navigating complex and deeply personal situations. To deny them this choice is to withhold the compassion Christ demands of us. Love is not about control — it is about support.
The ability to make choices about one’s own body is central to human dignity, and it is not our role to interfere with someone else’s deeply personal and often painful decisions.
Freedom is central to Christian teaching, yet it is often misunderstood in debates about reproductive health care. True freedom comes from God and empowers individuals to live in alignment with their faith and conscience, without coercion or fear.
When we ensure access to health care, we affirm the God-given agency of each person to make choices that honor their values, circumstances and trust in God’s guidance.
The rhetoric from the Wyoming Freedom Caucus fails to honor this message. By opposing reproductive rights, they perpetuate harm and division, ignoring the Gospels’ call to create spaces where families can make these decisions without government interference.
Supporting women’s access to reproductive health care is not a compromise of faith — it is a profound expression of it. It reflects our commitment to love our neighbors and to protect the freedom to make health care decisions — values that are at the heart of the Gospel.
What a brave man you are Reverend Bishop. Thank you for your thoughts. So true! If only we could get people to understand.
Thank you, Reverend Bishop, for your thoughtful article. You walk the walk of what I believe a TRUE Christian should and would. Your words are logical, compassionate and non-judgmental. Your words are so much more eloquent than I could have said. I agree with you wholeheartedly.
Anti-abortion piety is based on the assumption women who are seeking abortion care do not believe in a God or the “wrong” God. As a minister who has been in conversation with many women seeking abortion care, I know for a fact this is not true. Women, and many times their partners and immediate family, go through a time of discernment with the God they believe in. No one else has the right to impose their belief God has only one name and there is only one way to find a divine reconciliation. Those who think they are right and everyone else is wrong are actually behaving in ways displeasing to God-who-has-many-names because empathy is more important than self-righteousness — on earth and in heaven.
Christianity is based in objective truth – not opinion. Nonetheless, I struggle to find any biblical support for this opinion. There is only correct stance on abortion for a Christian, and that is to be vehemently against it. If, as you say, abortion is a “matter of moral agency, human dignity and justice”, then let’s treat it as such. From original sin in the Garden of Eden to the teachings of Jesus, it’s been proven that humans are really bad at making good moral choices. The Holy Spirit helps us act in ways that glorify God, but our inherent nature is to choose sin every time. If you want to talk about human dignity, let’s first acknowledge the dignity of the human child who doesn’t get a choice whether they live or die. And justice? Who is being brought to justice when a preborn child is violently ripped from their mother’s womb? Who is being brought to justice when God’s precious creation is denied the right to a life with a mother and a father? Human suffering is not a unique experience; to say that poor decision making is warranted because of less-than-ideal conditions is to say that women deserve the ability to kill their own children, which is unbiblical in every possible sense. Loving your neighbor doesn’t look like enabling them to kill their unborn children, it looks like helping them to be successful and raise their children in a way that glorifies God. And in case you were worried about the pro-life movement’s ability to be compassionate, here are some resources for expecting mothers:
http://www.standingwithyou.org
http://www.earthsidebirthwy.com/
http://www.lifechoicepcc.org/
laramiepregnancy.com/
It’s all Opinion.
First , put Christ back into Christians.
Then we’ll talk …
Rev. Bishop sets a good example. He should preach to the Freedom Caucus, though
A very difficult topic for some. And a contentios subject for all. Whether you are a Christian, a pretend Christian, a Spiritualist, a Muslim, a Hindu, a Jew, a Mormon, a Catholic, Atheist, Agnostic and so many other options, you have no right to condem or dictate the course of someone’s life, body autonomy, reproductive health or individual choices. We are all individuals formed in the image of what we believe in. We all have equal rights and we all should stay out of others personal bubble. Choice is just that. We can list all reasons we dictate or believe one way or another, however, the reality is: it is none of your business.
The self righteous and holier than thou attitudes and projections are harmful, condescending and again have no place in healthcare, family planning, or in law.
I thank you for speaking to this Pastor Bishop. I am especially encouraged that you represent a well known and respected Christian Church. You give us all hope that the meddling will stop and interactions could begin to support families by providing for children that are born. They should be our first priority.
Thank you, Reverend Bishop! I appreciate your thoughtful perspective. If only legislators could understand the true meaning of compassion and support instead of judging the lives of others they know nothing about. Also, after the baby is born, they don’t provide any support to help care for them. Hypocrites!
Let’s take religion out of politics…please!
I think if you look at the narrative that runs through the entire Bible, you can faithfully come to a different conclusion. God’s desire is we all come to Him. He created us to have a relationship with him and abortion harms that relationship. God’s deep love for the vulnerable also surely extends to the most vulnerable….children. I’ve come to see abortion as our ultimate rejection of God; we put ourselves in the place of God and take the life of the only being made in the image of God.
A thoughtful commentary on a difficult subject. Thank you Jordan
Oh, my goodness! This is such a great article! YES! This is the way it is. This needs to be copied and given to the governor and to all the legislators who think a woman’s pregnancy is any of their damned business!
Right on, Jordan!!! Very proud to be your favorite aunt!
Thank you, Reverend Bishop for such a kind, insightful and genuine perspective. Your article is a bright light in a sea of darkness. Thank you again for sharing such an uplifting message. It’s made my day.
Thank you so much!! So much of the fundamental teachings of God through Christ are being lost all around us. We must stand up – not in anger, but in truth spoken in love.
Thank you, Reverend Bishop, for reminding us of God’s love for people, all people. Your remarks are the reverse of those who proclaim their right to play God, and dictate how others should live. Words come cheap, so will the members of these groups demonstrate their beliefs through concrete actions? Like publish their tithe statements proving they adhere to Malachi 3:10? Sequester their wives and daughters for seven days during menstruation? Stop wearing clothes made of different materials? If they’re not walkin’ their talkin’, it’s sensible to reject their cuckoo culture with it’s man-made liturgy of hate. “By their fruit you will know them” (Matthew 7:15) – be a fruit inspector.
It is so refreshing to see an authentic and rational approach to this discussion. Wyoming use to be about giving it’s residents the personal freedom to live their lives as they choose – including women. The fact that a legislation filled with privileged, aging white men are passing this legislation is disturbing. Reproductive freedom is a public health issue, especially in Wyoming where we already have critical gaps in maternal care.
These legislators who claim to be “protect women” (thank you I don’t need your protection) refuse to expand Medicaid, provide paid family leave or support affordable child care.
If their goal is to reduce abortion, as they claim, lawmakers would advocate for comprehensive sex education, contraception access and economic policies that make parenthood a choice, not a mandate.
Thanks Reverend Bishop for articulating what I believe to be a correct stand on abortion and social welfare issues. I am tired of people believing you are a right wing fundamentalist if you call yourself a Christian. Abortion is a tragedy. So is the inability or unwillingness of a parent to nurture a child. Jesus’s teachings are about compassion for all and particularly the poor. Compassion has been and will remain at the core of Christianity.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Will. I truly appreciate the conversation. I absolutely agree that Christianity has always been, at its core, about compassion, especially for the most vulnerable. Jesus continually uplifted the marginalized and called for justice in ways that challenge simplistic narratives about moral issues.
I’d push back on the idea that abortion is inherently a tragedy. While it can be a difficult decision, for many individuals and families it is the most responsible and compassionate choice in their circumstances. Rather than viewing it as a failure, we can recognize it as part of the complex reality of reproductive healthcare—one that allows people to make decisions that honor their well-being, their families, and their futures. Ensuring access to safe, legal abortion is part of a broader commitment to justice and care, just as advocating for strong social support systems is.
Christianity calls us not just to personal compassion but to structural justice—to create a world where people are empowered to make choices free from coercion, shame, or systemic barriers. Thank you again for engaging in this conversation with openness and care!
Thank you, Rev. Bishop, for saying what needed to be said. This Christian stands with you in affirming a woman’s right to choose…and loving that woman whatever her choice.
Rev. Bishop, Do you believe that God only knows some before they are born and not others?
Jeremiah 1:5
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart;
A scripture battle. Legit reverend vs. angry boomer.
My money is on the rev. Angry boomers and their fake piousness can’t compete.
Bravo
Nailed it.
Sir, do you realize that God spoke those words to one man, Jeremiah, and one man only, that he had called for a special mission? Have you noticed that their is nothing like it anywhere else in the Bible spoken to anyone else? To apply this to everyone is ridiculous. God didn’t set me apart for anything. Before quoting scripture, learn what it means.
Shawn, did God personally tell you that he didnt set you apart for anything?
Every person on earth is called for a special mission, it is up to us whether we take it up or not. 99.9999999% of us fall short.
To call it “ridiculous” mocks God.
Thank you, Rev. Bishop for your thoughtful and comprehensive review re: reproductive freedom and healthy families in Wyoming. I agree with you.
Thank you, Reverend Bishop, for this beautifully written and explained article.
A voice of sanity. Thank you, Reverend Bishop.
Remember raising abortion to a litmus test of Christianity came about after the civil rights legislation passed. Southern Democrats became Republicans and took their politics to the churches. Pat Robertson and his mysogynistic cohorts stratagized how to bring the churches into their right wing politics. Abortion became their rallying cry. Check history.
Spot on.
There is a passage in my Bible that adds to my confusion about abortion and God’s wishes: Hosea Chapter13:16 which reads “Samaria is held guilty, for she has rebelled against her God. They shall fall by the sword, their infants shall be dashed in pieces, and their women with child ripped open. ” Does this mean that if a woman crosses God it is okay to rip the child from her womb?
Genesis 2:7
Thank you Jordan, for this profound and much needed expression of the call of Christianity in today’s world.
Finally, a REAL Christian.
Thanks Jordan!
This is an incredible piece, Reverend! As someone who has feared religion due to the attacks on my body and community, your words offer hope that there is a place for everyone, regardless of their circumstances. Thank you for your words, your faith, and your voice.
Reverend Bishop what of these unborn children???
Luke 1:41
translation
Elizabeth’s unborn son, John the Baptist, leapt for joy in the womb when Mary came near with her unborn son, Jesus.
Should their mothers have had the “choice” to end the human life inside of their uterus???
How about when your GOD killed all the first born males in Egypt. What about all the miscarriage’s, did your GOD kill them? You be you.
Gordon, the child growing inside of its mother is a distinct separate Human Being whether you recognize that fact or not. It has different DNA from its mother and is NOT simply a “part of her body”.
I see the columnist responded to Mr. Almas’ comment earlier; it would be great if he would edify us with HIS rationale in response to Mr. Ginter’s civilly asked questions. To rephrase his excellent point: why don’t the unborn human beings of Luke 1 deserve the protection the columnist asserts is due innocent people, because of “God’s deep concern for the well-being of the vulnerable”? There’s none so voiceless and vulnerable as babies in the womb.
WyoFile moderator, I appreciate your statement of expectations for commenters, and hope the trolls will “Keep it clean, civil and on topic.” That topic is this author’s column.
Beautiful! Thank you Rev. Bishop. I believe the whole contentious topic of abortion is in reality an attempt to keep us riled up. It makes me very sad that our country has come to this point. Why is there even discussion about things that are between a patient and a doctor? What we will see after all of this is a return to the dangerous places women go when they are in distress. Dangerous! May God guide us, guard us and embrace us in our current situation.
Brave, true and spiritually very relevant. Thank you. I am also struck by the transvaginal ultrasound legislation. Putting an object into a woman’s vagina against her wishes sounds a lot like rape, and at least metaphorically, that’s what they’re doing. Clearly, their goal is nothing other than to make ambition care unavailable.
Reverand Jordan Bishop, a Christian man of faith and strength… in WY? Who would have ever guessed. Thank you Reverand Bishop for your integrity and unwavering moral compass. No doubt you’ll be receiving threats and a fleeing flock, but you have adhered to your values and integrity in a time when that is a deeply unpopular stance in WY. Reverand Bishop just reminded the orange calf worshipping idolaters which direction they should take back to the Christian faith.
“I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” Mahatma Gandhi
I was not aware of the Gandhi quote. It resonates with me as I try to understand how so many “Christians” are not following the words of Christ. Thank you, Rev. Bishop, for articulating what many of us believe but would find difficult to put so well into words.
A very thoughtful commentary. I am sure that the abortion abolitionists will not like what he had to say, but they should if they are truly Christians.