Planned Execution Stirs Debate Over Religious Link to Violence

CNSNews.com ^ | 8/29/03 | Robert B. Bluey

[kattracks]

(CNSNews.com) - With the scheduled execution of Presbyterian minister Paul Hill nearing, the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice is condemning those, who like Hill, have invoked religion to justify violence aimed at abortionists or abortion clinics.

However, the coalition itself was criticized Thursday for identifying itself as a religious organization at the same time it advocates for abortion.

"[The coalition] can't be asking for somebody to speak against violence on one hand and on the other hand be encouraging it," said Georgette Forney, executive director of the National Organization of Episcopalians for Life.

Hill's execution is scheduled for Sept. 3 in Florida, punishment for the murders of abortionist John Britton and Britton's escort, James Barrett, at an abortion clinic in Pensacola, Fla., on July 29, 1994.

Although Hill has a band of Christian followers, pro-life advocates, including Republican Gov. Jeb Bush, have not only criticized Hill's actions, but also his religious views.

"It's so bizarre to think that sending letters with bullets - threatening letters - and then say that 'I'm doing this in the name of Jesus Christ,'" Bush told the Associated Press. "That's not my Jesus."

Bush and other state officials have faced death threats from individuals citing Christianity as a defense for the convicted murderer's actions. The people making the threats, according to Bush, are guilty of an "incredible distortion of the Christian faith."

The Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice this week called on religious leaders across the country to preach against the use of violence in the name of religion.

The coalition chided the "radical religious right" for promoting a myth that religious teachings oppose a woman's choice to have an abortion.

"The pro-life folks want to have one view - their view - govern the land," Religious Coalition spokeswoman Marjorie Signer said. "People like Paul Hill are so zealous about what they believe is correct that they will kill for it."

However, Forney, from the National Organization of Episcopalians for Life, sought to turn the tables on Signer.

"Abortion is a very violent act upon a woman," Forney said. "The irony to me is that in the name of religion, they think that they should stand up against somebody who has used violence, but they perpetuate violence every day."

Forney said she also disagrees with the coalition's assertion that it represents the views of the Episcopal Church, along with 14 other faiths. She recently asked the church to review its association with the Religious Coalition.

Signer said it was the coalition's diverse set of views that set it apart from pro-life organizations. The group boasts members including the Presbyterian Church, United Church of Christ, United Methodist Church, Unitarian Universalist Association and Reform and Conservative Judaism.

"We have diverse views, diverse beliefs, we read the scripture differently, and we believe that proves our point that because there is such diversity on this issue of when life begins, no one view should govern the land," Signer said.

The Religious Coalition still has its detractors, including the Rev. Frank Pavone, director of Priests for Life, who defended the views of pro-lifers.

"We in the pro-life movement have the only consistent position," Pavone said. "We oppose violence both against the unborn and the born - even abortion providers."

The Religious Coalition is also the subject of a book - Holy Abortion? - published by the National Pro-Life Religious Council, which claims to expose the coalition's "radical and un-biblical views."

"Their religion is their opinion, and they will superimpose their opinion on their religious philosophies," said Wendy Wright, senior policy director at Concerned Women for America.

"Here's an opportunity from them to say we oppose all violence, and instead, they're standing alongside some of the people who perpetuate that violence against women and unborn babies," Wright added. "There's no religious foundation for them doing that."

Signer countered that charge. She said pro-life groups influence the views of extremists, often prompting violence.

"Unless the pro-life groups renounce what they do, their words are hollow," Signer said. "I wish I could embrace them and say, 'How wonderful,' but they continue to create a climate that's conducive to violence by the kinds of things they say."

American Life League Vice President Jim Sedlak had a different take. He said he wasn't aware of any mainstream pro-life group that had endorsed Hill's actions.

"Pro-life means that you think that every life is created by God and it is sacred because it was created by God, so we wouldn't advocate the killing of anybody, regardless of what they had done. Obviously, some people are trying to make Paul Hill out to be some kind of murderer. He's not; he's a murderer who deserves whatever punishment the state deems appropriate."

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[ABG(anybody but Gore)]

Obviously, some people are trying to make Paul Hill out to be some kind of murderer. He's not; he's a murderer who deserves whatever punishment the state deems appropriate."

Huh?

[Gil4]

Probably meant "some kind of martyr"

[Imal]

Bush and other state officials have faced death threats from individuals citing Christianity as a defense for the convicted murderer's actions. The people making the threats, according to Bush, are guilty of an "incredible distortion of the Christian faith."

True or false?

[CalvaryJohn]

I'd sure hate to be this guy when he takes the needle without repenting.