Editorial

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer recently got a lesson in the true meaning of being "pro-choice" on abortion. It’s a lesson worth learning for Christian citizens who defend the sanctity of human life and wish to advocate that conviction in the Public Square.

A politician whose career has been marked by unwavering support for abortion rights (including opposition in the State Legislature to both the Choose Life license plates and legislation requiring parental notice for girls seeking abortions), Mayor Dyer had the temerity to issue a proclamation commending the selfless, sacrificial crisis pregnancy center ministry at First Baptist Church of Orlando. But the simple statement of truth about the work of First Life Center for Pregnancy was too much for the city’s "Pro-Choice" Lobby.

After the proclamation of Jan. 18, 2004, as "Life is Precious Day" issued on Oct. 28, 2003, became public in recent days, the mayor’s political allies in the abortion lobby and Democratic Party made clear to him their anger, concern and opposition. Dyer — who soon stands for re-election and describes himself as "100 percent pro-choice" — listened.

After accepting an invitation to appear at First Baptist Church on Jan. 25 to present the proclamation, Dyer’s spokesman announced that the mayor had decided to postpone his visit in order to "avoid drawing more attention to the church or proclamation," according to Orlando Sentinel (Jan. 24).

Further, so as to leave no question of the mayor’s commitment to abortion rights, Dyer appeared at a Jan. 22 Planned Parenthood event celebrating the 31st anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the U.S. Supreme Court decision which legalized abortion-on-demand. His appearance came after — according to the Sentinel — his office said his schedule would not permit his attendance.

"The reception was friendly," Doug Head, chairman of Orange County’s Democratic Party told the Sentinel. "He hasn’t changed his views. I’m happy."

First Baptist Church leaders tell me that prior mayors without controversy have issued similar proclamations. And, given the impressive ministry of First Life Center for Pregnancy it’s easy to see why.

Center director Sandy Epperson told me the ministry has assisted nearly 50,000 women and girls since opening in 1986, including more than 4,600 in the last year.

Randall James, president of the church’s foundation and a former long-time leader of Orlando City government, told me that, in spite of the mayor’s decisions in this matter, Christians have a biblical responsibility to pray for those in governing authority. This is a helpful, needed reminder.

Still, the Dyer proclamation controversy demonstrates just how politically polarized our nation has become on this vital issue more than three decades after the nation’s highest court decreed the assault on the unborn. That a politician who has consistently affirmed public policy protecting abortion-on-demand has been forced to bow in abject humility with total fealty to the abortion lobby and publicly distance himself from a statement affirming ministry to women in crisis pregnancies illustrates just how intense the battle for the sanctity of human life in our society remains.

First Life Center for Pregnancy will faithfully go about its God-ordained ministry to women and unborn children. Political opposition to pregnancy care centers like the one at First Baptist Church of Orlando and scores of others across the Sunshine State will not stop these dedicated Christians from their task to help, materially and spiritually, those in crisis.

What’s the lesson of this controversy? "Pro-choice" isn’t about freedom to choose abortion. It’s about the celebration of, the unbridled advocacy for, and the unquestioning insistence upon the absolute right to kill unborn children. The "pro-choice" lobby will not permit even the slightest commendation for low-key ministries that seek to offer alternatives to abortion.

Christian citizens in Orlando and across the Sunshine State should take notice of this sorry episode when we go to the polls. We must never forget that politicians who have aligned themselves with the so-called "pro-choice" position will be held to that commitment, even with respect to the most modest efforts to advance the sanctity of human life in our society. Such politicians are not deserving of our votes.

Although I hold no public office and my proclamations merely come in the form of editorial columns in the pages of this newspaper, I do hereby commend the ministry of First Life Center for Pregnancy and all other Christian ministries dedicated to assisting women in crisis pregnancies and affirming the intrinsic value of every human life. Further, I urge Florida Baptists to re-affirm our support — in word, deed and prayer — for ministries assisting women and children in need in our state.