Of mules and men

This November, Virginians will consider a package of amendments, headlined by the “Right to Reproductive Freedom.” Yard signs have been up for months, and if passed, the euphemistically named amendment would leave unborn babies vulnerable to abortion up to the point of birth. In addition to a dramatic expansion of abortion through all nine months of pregnancy with no limitations whatsoever—a standard commonly found in communist countries—the Amendment would also remove Virginia parents from the decision-making process when their legally minor daughters face an unexpected pregnancy.

If Virginia voters adopt the Amendment, farm animals in our state will have far more expansive protections than living children in their mothers’ wombs. What would the public outcry be if the same voters were asked to weigh in on a bill that removed existing protections against cruelty to farm animals, including the horses that enjoy the rolling hills of Northern Virginia’s horse country? Passing such a law would gut the following statute, which was first passed in 1975:

§ 18.2-144: “…if any person maliciously shoot, stab, wound or otherwise cause bodily injury to, or administer poison to or expose poison with intent that it be taken by, any horse, mule, pony...with intent to maim, disfigure, disable or kill the same, shall be guilty of a Class 5 felony.”

Make no mistake: the simple act of putting such an amendment on the ballot would be a scandal of epic proportions with national and lasting implications. As the 20th century British apologist G.K. Chesterton observed, “Wherever there is animal worship, there is human sacrifice.”

Until now, little has been said about the Amendment from the Commonwealth’s pulpits. Thankfully, there are signs that this silence is giving way to growing courage among Virginia’s pastors. Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington is pulling no punches on this issue, as well as on another proposed amendment that would support same-sex “marriage” at the state level. He has been leading the charge against these measures by hosting a webinar for his priests and asking them to read a message at all Masses, urging a “no” vote. The effort culminated in a holy hour at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington on Sept. 15, which was livestreamed. “Catholics Vote No” is the Diocese of Arlington’s formal online campaign against Questions 1 and 2, adding to Bishop Burbidge’s list of courageous actions.

Some key evangelical ministries have shown leadership on this issue as well. For example, Stand for Life & Marriage, a partnership of Liberty University’s Standing for Freedom Center, the Southern Baptist Convention of Virginia, and the Family Foundation of Virginia, is getting the word out. Its website, like the Diocese’s, does a praiseworthy job of explaining the issues and presenting a clear call to action.

Lastly, we have seen another online effort—“Pastors of Virginia”—raise awareness and demonstrate leadership. These ministers argue that “Abortion is the killing of a pre-born child in the womb” and that “it is moral distortion to present this violation of the sixth commandment as a moral good or as a fundamental right.” On that basis, they urge voters to “Reject Amendment 1 because it will bring about more destruction of human life in the womb.”

Ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ who speak boldly on this issue embolden other ministers and lay leaders to do the same. To those who are doing so, thank you for living out your calling to defend unborn lives even as you are called to make disciples of all nations. Many of the good people in the pews simply do not know that we are only one vote away from farm animals having more of a right to life than unborn humans. Sharing this message is one way clergy demonstrate holistic discipleship to congregants who want to see the courage of their spiritual leaders on display.

As encouraging as these real-life stories are, far too many Virginians simply don’t know what is at stake. We, as God’s image-bearers, have the privilege of speaking the truth regarding what this Amendment really is and what its implications are if it passes. Its advocates are certainly exercising their right to speak freely, and so should we.