by Jack Wheeler, President of the Board of Directors, Options for Women-River Falls
Wisconsinites have not had a pro-life Governor or Attorney General in Madison since January 2019. In the months leading up to the November 3 election, the shepherds leading our congregations have an opportunity–if not an obligation–to promote real change in defense of God’s image.
Why this election matters
Over their past two terms in office, Governor Tony Evers and Attorney General Josh Kaul have advanced a pro-abortion policy agenda while opposing or limiting support for pro-life measures and pregnancy resource centers like Options for Women – River Falls. Their efforts have led to the restoration and expansion of elective abortions after a temporary post-Dobbs pause, to the detriment of protecting unborn human life.
In the wake of the overturn of Roe v. Wade, Evers and Kaul filed suit arguing that Wisconsin’s 1849 statute banning abortion was unenforceable, superseded by later regulations, or did not apply to consensual abortions. Kaul’s office declined to prosecute under it; Evers pledged clemency.
Evers has repeatedly vetoed Republican-backed bills that would have further restricted abortion, required more accurate counseling/information, or limited certain practices. He called special sessions seeking to protect “reproductive freedom” and has framed abortion as “essential healthcare.”
Abortion numbers, which dropped sharply after Dobbs, rose again after abortionist operations resumed and have approached or matched pre-Dobbs monthly levels in recent data, with a notable share involving medication abortion.
Why churches should act
From America’s founding, politics has served as function of, not a parallel track to, religion. In 1798, John Adams wrote, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”
When Christian shepherds act with boldness and courage, their flocks follow and God is glorified. When shepherds adopt the thinking of the world, whether through adaptation or compromise, God’s judgment is kindled. Only by His patience and longsuffering does America endure, even as court rulings like Roe – and the elected enemies of the God who supported it – are met with a proportionately tepid response by churches that profess a high view of scripture.
It is true, politicians cannot save us. They are fallen, flawed, and often far from any ideal of Christian living. But they are a valid if imperfect reflection of us. Are we to be governed by fallen men who, though imperfect, uphold policies that lean in God’s direction? Or shall we be governed by wicked men whose policy positions reflect full enmity with God? There is a difference.
As Christians, we are not called to have a seat at the world’s table. We are called to overturn it.
What can congregations do?
Over the coming weeks, may we encourage our church leaders to lead and in doing so protect their flocks from ravenous wolves by speaking up for life.
Is your pastor bold? Then praise him and stand beside him in his boldness. Is he timid? Then encourage him and stand all the more at his side as he fulfills his calling. Is he silent? Then confront him with Scripture, trusting that Biblical “unity” is not to be used as a cover for compromise with the world.
This November, may our churches speak at the polls for those who have no voice in the womb.
