Kansas Episcopal church hosts chili fundraiser for abortion

St. James Episcopal Church in Wichita, Kan., plans to host a “Chili for Choice” fundraiser for Planned Parenthood on the 42nd anniversary of Roe v. Wade, helping to pay for abortion while other churches are encouraging participation in pro-life events, including a march in the Kansas capital.

The fundraiser supports Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri with “an evening of stimulating conversation, refreshments and CHILI!” The ticket costs range from the $20 “income-sensitive” option to the $1,000 “Scorching Serran Patron.”

Until 1967, the Episcopal church condemned both abortion and infanticide. But in 1967, the church embraced abortion law reform and abortion in cases of rape, incest, fetal abnormalities, and risks to the mother’s life and health.

During its 71st General Convention in 1994, the Episcopal Church acknowledged the sacredness of human life while affirming its acceptance of abortion in some circumstances. The convention also stated its opposition to legislation that prevents women from making an informed decision regarding their pregnancies and inhibits their ability to act safely in response to their decision. To date, the church’s position hasn’t changed.

The fundraiser would contribute to Planned Parenthood’s revenue, which already exceeds the gross domestic product of Greenland, said Randall O’Bannon, director of education and research for the National Right to Life Committee. Between 2013 and 2014, Planned Parenthood’s affiliates took in more than $250 million in private donations. The organization’s total revenue exceeded $1.3 billion, according to Planned Parenthood’s 2013-2014 annual report.

Though only a portion of Planned Parenthood’s income contributes directly to abortion, O’Bannon said a substantial portion funds abortion-related services. The 327,653 abortions performed by Planned Parenthood facilities cost at least $147.7 million—a conservative estimate according to O’Bannon. And despite the national drop in abortions, Planned Parenthood’s abortion rate has remained steady.

“Planned Parenthood’s ability to continue to prosper in a ‘down market’ is a testament to [its] unchallenged role as the overwhelmingly dominant provider of abortion and its powerful political connections,” O’Bannon said. “Planned Parenthood is as committed to abortion as it ever was and is looking for ways to defend and expand its abortion empire.”

While St. James invites “celebration” on Jan. 22, other pro-lifers plan to congregate across the street at The Church of the Blessed Sacrament to pray for Chili for Choice participants and commemorate the women and unborn children harmed by abortion, said David Gittrich, state development director for Kansans for Life. And in Topeka, thousands of pro-lifers plan to march to the Capitol steps.

St. James’ fundraiser doesn’t reflect the overall pro-life stance held by Kansans, Gittrich said. The state has passed laws requiring 24-hour wait periods, parental consent for minors, and ultrasounds, offering women seeking abortions the ability to see their babies. The state limits insurance coverage and public funding of abortions. Kansas also prohibits abortions after 22 weeks gestation and sex-selective abortions. And, the number of abortions in the state continues to drop: In 2013, the abortion numbers fell to 7,485 from 7,598 in 2012.

“It’s hard to believe someone would celebrate the killing of an unborn child to solve problems,” Gittrich said.

St. James Episcopal Church didn’t respond to a request for comment.