Why African-Americans Accept Abortion

The acceptance of abortion by African-Americans is one of the greatest tragedies of the 20th century.

Abortion is nothing new and the reasons for it can be found rooted in the Church’s failure to consistently and effectively demonstrate the love of Christ in the terms of James 1:27.

“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”

Until the quality of life for women is improved by the practical applications of unconditional love, many woman will continue to be attracted to the false sense security abortion provides.

Abortion is not just another surgical or medical procedure that is hygienic and safe.

Abortion is an intrinsically evil act that gravely violates the dignity of an innocent human being by taking his or her life.

Abortion gravely wounds the dignity of those who support it and leaves those who commit it in profound psychological and moral trauma.

Marginalizing abortion marginalizes the sanctity of human life itself and dehumanizes the members of any society.

The freedom, independence, empowerment and sense of security promised women by abortion is a lie.

Can equality for women be achieved at the expense of murdering their children?

Of course not.

Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “The Negro cannot win as long as he is willing to sacrifice the lives of his children for comfort and safety.”

Abortion is oxymoronic, a “cruel kindness” if you will.

Abortion is the lie that promises to improve the “quality of life” at the “expense of life”.

Embracing abortion as a necessary social policy to guarantee life would ultimately result in the end of life.

Given that according to the 2006 U.S. Census the African-American community is no longer replacing itself.

The acceptance of abortion in the African-American community is a form of racial suicide.

During the Civil Rights movement African-American’s were willing to be hosed down by Fire Departments, bitten by dogs, beaten by police officers, unjustly incarcerated, financially ruined and lynched by racist white folk to secure access to water fountains, restrooms and seats in the front of the bus.

I believe most of us would assume that African-American’s would do more for their posterity than they would for the right to use a urinal.

However, if you assume this to be true you’d be wrong.

Today an African-American child has less than a 50% chance of being born.

Every 72 seconds an African-American baby’s life is terminated by abortion.

At this rate, the African-American race will be in danger of extinction by the year of our Lord two thousand one hundred (2100).

All this and African-American Pastors are strangely silent regarding the issue of abortion.

I wonder why?

Such silence allows the African-American Pastors to trivialize abortion by equating the killing of babies with other evils in the world when the numbers from pro-abortion communities clearly prove there is no comparison.

Such silence allows the African-American Pastors to politicize abortion by comparing Democrats to Republicans as if winning such a contest will bring our dead babies back to life.

For the record, since 1973 abortion alone, accounts for over fifty (50) million prenatal murders.

According to Father Frank Pavone’s June 11th, 2009 Blog entitled “One Solitary Child” …

“Worldwide, there are 42 million abortions every year.

That means that in the last thirty years, there have been over 1.5 billion abortions! 1.5 billion!

That’s the equivalent of approximately one quarter of the entire population of the planet!

One quarter of the earth’s population, murdered, snuffed out, gone.”

Such silence from the African-American pulpit allows Pastors to avoid wrestling with their congregation over two (2) potentially Church splitting and/or job threatening issues:

1. The biblical truth about abortion and

2. Why they support a President who does not publicly support the biblical truth about abortion and other biblically defined evils.

In my opinion, such silence from men called and ordained by God Himself to preach an uncompromising gospel at all cost, is just inexcusable.

Again, such silence from the African-American pulpit allows the race card to be played in the Black Church and the discussion to be moved from murdering children to whether or not abortion is a Civil Rights issue.

Yes, much has changed since the Civil Rights movement.

Segregation is illegal in all public schools and most private places.

While discrimination still exists in many hearts today, our country has come closer to the ideals of liberty and justice.

Still, why does it appear that African-Americans are more than willing to sacrifice their posterity for prosperity?

To put it bluntly, it appears…

The more affluent African-Americans have become, the fewer children we want.

The higher our material expectations rise, the more we perceive children prevent us from achieving them.

The more affluent African-Americans have become, the less inclined we are to take risks which might destroy our quality of life.

The more affluent African-Americans have become, the more we tend to only associate with the rich and identify with their lifestyle.

Thus, in a divided society like the United States of America, affluence creates materially comfortable prisons, emotionally isolated people and morally bankrupt protocols.

The Bible puts it this way in 1st Timothy 6:10:

“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

1st John 3:8 teaches us that “… the reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the work of the devil.”

Since torturing babies to death is incontestably the work of the devil, abortion is incontrovertibly evil and the benefits abortion promises are ALL lies.

Still, why can’t African-Americans see this?

Oh we can see it.

There is no doubt that “momma is pregnant with child”.

There is no question that a baby, an innocent human being is murdered every time an abortion takes place.

The Biological Evidence is overwhelmingly clear.

Human biology has been incredibly revealing.

The biological evidence for the humanity of the unborn child is undeniable, and even advocates of abortion rights now admit this.

Abortion is simply prenatal murder.

In light of Planned Parenthood’s founder’s (i.e. Margaret Sanger) racist and eugenics past, abortion is no less than womb lynching.

The facts are in now and it is painfully obvious who the baby is and what abortion does to him or her.

Oh I can assure you, African-Americans can and do see this.

So why is there such a difference between what we as African-Americans know to be true in our hearts and how we vote?

How can African-Americans consider themselves more religious than the U.S. population as a whole and support the shedding of innocent blood?

Read Proverbs 6:16-17 …

“These six (6) things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven (7) are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood.”

St. Francis of Assisi once said “Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”

In other words, it is time for the Church to speak the truth in love by meeting both the physical and spiritual needs of people.

I believe the answer is not in the White House, but in the Church House.

I believe when the Church becomes relevant in the lives of the people …

The Word of God will once again be relevant in the hearts of the people …

And when the Word of God is relevant in the hearts of the people …

I believe abortion, anywhere and everywhere this evil exists, will come to an end.

So join me and let’s go to work.

No Longer An Academic Exercise

Persecution is no longer simply something we read about in our Bible studies. It is no longer simply an academic exercise. Everyday in America Christians are being persecuted for their faith.

The risks facing Christians today mirror both the risks facing the child in the womb of a mother in the grips of an unplanned pregnancy and the life or death stakes of an unrepentant nation facing the judgment of a Holy God. The demands are high. The risks are high. The stakes are high.

So Where Do We Go From Here?

Here are my thoughts regarding the cost of discipleship and the future of Christian leadership.

1. We must understand our moral responsibility to do good.

The extent to which you have the ability to take action is the extent to which you have a moral responsibility to take action. (Acts 21:13; James 4:17)

2. We must value our relationship with heaven more than our relationship with the world.

The extent to which you are friends with the world is the extent to which you have been compromised by the world. (Acts 21:14; 1st John 2:15-17)

3. We must be willing to give up our “right” to ourselves.

The extent to which you are willing to suffer for Christ’s sake is the extent to which you are willing to serve God. (Acts 9:16; 21:15; 2nd Corinthians 4:11; 12:10)

It is not a matter of whether there will or will not be a price. Nor is it a question of how high the price is or will be. Today, when it comes to taking a public stand for God, it will always be a matter of one’s willingness to pay the price.

To move forward Christian leadership must now do more than preach about the cost of discipleship. Today Christian leadership must lead by paying the price of discipleship.

There Is No Such Thing As A SAFE Abortion!

Just as choice without consequences does not exist and is merely a figment of our imagination; safe abortions are also imaginary, existing only in the minds of those either profiting from abortion or those desperately seeking justification for Prenatal Murder. In reality safe abortions do not exist.

IMPORTANT BACKGROUND: The Institute of Medicine, in 2006 and 2007, confirmed “prior first trimester induced abortion” is an “immutable medical risk factor associated with pre-term birth.” [1]

According to a study in the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons, Volume 13 Number 4, Winter 2008, entitled “Does Induced Abortion Account for Racial Disparity in Preterm Births, and Violate the Nuremberg Code?” Black American women have three (3) times the risk of suffering an early preterm birth (EPB, birth under 32 weeks) and four (4) times the risk of an extremely preterm birth (XPB, birth under 28 weeks). [2]

Authored by Brent Rooney, M.Sc., Byron C. Calhoun, M.D., M.B.A. and Lisa E. Roche, J.D., this study reports a “statistically significant” increase in the risk of EBP or XPB in women who have a history of induced abortion (IA) when compared to women with no history of IA. [2]

According to Rooney, Calhoun and Roche, “about 43% of pregnancies in Black American women end in IA.” In the United States of America the most common IA method is Vacuum Aspiration (VAA). This study reveals the fact that VAA has never been proven safe in animal studies. [2]

This is significant because the use of procedures that have not been proven safe is a violation of the “Nuremberg Code Of Ethics On Human Research And Experimentation.” [2]

When one considers that fact that XPB babies have a 129 times higher risk of being born with the horribly debilitating effects of cerebral palsy (CP). [2]

When one considers that fact that in the Spring of 2008, federally funded clinics were exposed as having agreed to accept funds from persons who expressly requested that their donation be used to reduce the Black American population. [4]

When one considers the fact that there currently is no law in place in the United States to prohibit the acceptance or solicitation of funds earmarked for aborting a child of a specific race.

When one considers the fact that most American abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc., receive government funds, are responsible for the extermination of an estimated fifty percent (50%) of Black Americans conceived in the United States each year.

When one considers the fact that the history of the American family planning movement is replete with evidence of the purposeful placement of family planning clinics in areas with high concentrations of minorities.

When one considers the fact that an overwhelming majority of abortion clinics in America today, including those receiving federal funds (i.e., United States taxpayer dollars), remain disproportionately located in areas with high concentrations of minorities.

Three (3) concepts become very clear:

1. Black babies are not safe in the womb. So unsafe are Black babies in the womb of their mothers that the Black American birth rate has dropped below the replacement level.
2. Black women are being deliberately and disproportionately subjected to a procedure that has not been shown to be safe.
3. “Race-Targeted Abortion” is alive and well in America today.

While there are many serious concerns here for the health and well being of mother and child, it is critically important to understand that in all abortions the product of a human father and a human mother (i.e., a human being) is legally murdered.

Regardless of how modern and conveniently located the abortion facility may be.

Regardless of how well educated and trained the doctors and nurses may be.

Regardless of how “Executively”, “Legislatively” and “Judicially” United States taxpayers are ruthlessly coerced to pay for the cost of this “Elective” procedure.

Regardless of how grossly negligent many Black American Pastors have been when it comes to preaching about the sanctity of human life, tacitly approving the evil practice of abortion.

All abortions shed innocent blood.

All abortions terminate the life of a child.

There are no “Safe Abortions”.

---

REFERENCES:

1. Behrman RE, Butler AS. Preterm Birth: Causes Consequences, and Prevention. Washington, D.C.: National Academies Press; 2007: Table B-5. Available at: http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=11622&page=625. Accessed August 6th, 2008.

2. Rooney, M.Sc., Calhoun, M.D., M.B.A., Roche, J.D., “Does Induced Abortion Account for Racial Disparity in Preterm Births, and Violate the Nuremberg Code?” Available at: http://www.issues4life.org/pdfs/iariskptb01.pdf. Accessed March 3rd, 2009.

3. Rooney, M.Sc., Calhoun, M.D., M.B.A., “Induced Abortion and Risk of Later Premature Births” Available at http://www.issues4life.org/pdfs/iariskptb00.pdf. Accessed March 3rd, 2009.

4. Live Action Films, “The Planned Parenthood Racism Project” Available at: http://liveactionfilms.org//liveactionfilms/racism/index.htm. Accessed March 3rd, 2009.

I Am Still Free!

My Dear Friends:

Today I am still free.

Tomorrow I may not be.

It’s around 8:30 A.M. (PST) on Tuesday, February 24th, 2009 and the four (4) of us are standing on the corner of Webster Street and 3rd Street in Oakland, California near Jack London Square praying.

I am praying with two African-American women (a ninety (90) year old and an eighty-four (84) year old) and a dear Catholic sister who is a very good friend of mine. We are asking God to use us to reach the men and women going into the abortion clinic, right across the street, with the love of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.

We agree that the women will stand across the street with literature sharing alternatives to abortion while I stand on the same side of the street near the door of the abortion clinic with the same literature and a sign that says “God loves you and your baby. Let us help you.”

As we take our positions, I am fully aware that this may be my last opportunity to do all I can to save my people.

This morning may be the last morning I will have a chance to stop the shedding of innocent blood in the African-American community.

This hour may be the last hour available to me to reach out to the men and women with child considering pre-natal murder.

I am in this position because on Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday, Tuesday, January 15th, 2008, the Oakland City Council passed a law that strips away my 1st Amendment rights. What I was arrested, tried and convicted for is not arrestable, triable and/or convictible at one hundred and one (101) feet away from the entrance of an abortion clinic.

Starting at one hundred (100) feet my 1st Amendment right that assures my freedom of speech is taken away. “Harassment” is defined as “counseling” and “counseling” is defined as having a conversation, displaying a sign and/or handing out literature.

This is an unjust law that does not apply to doctors, nurses, employees and volunteers who have the consent of the abortion clinic.

Since my viewpoint on the subject of infanticide (i.e., I believe life begins at conception) is different than those who endorsed this unjust law, I do not have the consent of the abortion clinic to hold a sign, engage in conversation and hand out literature to those seeking to terminate the life of their child.

In other words, I am not a part of the “protected class” of United States citizenry as defined by the Oakland City Council.

According to Martin Luther King, Jr.’s, Tuesday, April 16th, 1963, “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” …

“An unjust law is a code that a numerical or power majority group compels a minority group to obey but does not make binding on itself. This is difference made legal. By the same token, a just law is a code that a majority compels a minority to follow and that it is willing to follow itself. This is sameness made legal.”

This law passed by the Oakland City Council is most assuredly both a violation of my 1st Amendment rights and an unjust law.

At around 9:30 A.M. the one (1) Oakland Police Department (OPD) Car and one (1) Oakland Police Department Officer arrived at the abortion clinic. He took a few minutes to talk with those inside the abortion clinic before coming back outside to talk with me.

Fortunately, my Life Legal Defense Foundation (LLDF) Lawyer was across the street watching me stand on a public sidewalk, hold both a sign and literature and attempt to gain consent to talk closer than eight (8) feet to those walking into the abortion clinic.

As I identified myself to the first Police Officer a second OPD Officer drove up and joined our conversation. After sharing with the Officers that I was standing on a public sidewalk, reaching out to the men and women considering infanticide, both officers went into the clinic to talk more with the “protected class” of United States citizenry (i.e., doctors, nurses, employees and volunteers who have the consent of the abortion clinic).

Eventually, both OPD Officers joined my lawyer and I on the sidewalk and after reviewing a printed copy of form CR-165 “Notice of Termination of Protective Order in Criminal Proceedings (CLETS).” I was warned that a brand new “Stay Away From This Abortion Clinic Order” was being drafted for me even as I was listening to the Officer speak.

The OPD Officers also made me aware that the Officers themselves can give me a “Stay Away From This Abortion Clinic Order” that I will have to obey or go to jail.

I graciously thanked the Officers for their candor, shook hands with each of them and watched one of the Officers drive away. The other Officer remained until I left which was within a few minutes as I soon noticed that it was about 10:00 A.M.

Today I am still free.

Tomorrow I may not be.

I believe this is an unjust law.

I believe one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws.

Today I am still free.

Tomorrow I may not be.

I will continue to exercise my 1st Amendment rights as I reach out to the men and women seeking to brutally terminate the life of the child growing in the womb of his or her mother.

Today I am still free.

Tomorrow I may not be.

May God bless you all.

An Unjust Law Is No Law At All!

Greetings Everyone …

As I write this I am free.

My wife (Lori) and I want to thank all of you for supporting us!

I felt your presence as I sat in the defendant’s chair and stood before Judge Hing to be sentenced in Department 109 on the fifth (5th) floor of the Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse, 661 Washington Street, Oakland, California 94607-3922, on Thursday, February 19th, 2009.

The simple sentencing hearing that was scheduled for 1:30 P.M. did not start until about 2:30 P.M. and lasted until around 4:30 P.M.

The Life Legal Defense Foundation (LLDF) has published a press release detailing the outcome of my sentencing. As such and in the interest of our ongoing civil suit that is challenging the constitutionality of the Oakland ordinance, I am deferring all legal interpretation of my sentencing hearing to my defense team.

Please know that the defense mounted by the Life Legal Defense Foundation (LLDF) was simply brilliant. Mike and Allison’s passion for righteousness was ablaze in the courtroom. Their expertise, experience and eloquence was unmatched by the Alameda County Assistant District Attorney (D.A.) Robert Graff who asked the Judge to sentence me to two (2) years in jail.

Please know that I want to thank Father John Malloy, SDB who has published an “eye witness account” of what transpired in the courtroom by way of his blog. Father Malloy loves Jesus Christ and is a strong voice for those that have no voice. I encourage everyone to read Father Malloy’s blog entitled: “The Extraordinary Sentencing of Walter Hoye”. You can use the link below to access Father Malloy’s blog:

Okay, now back to the sentencing hearing …

Once all the legal housekeeping was completed, Judge Hing asks both the defense and the prosecution:

“Do you have anything to say before I pronounce sentence?”

The words of Judge Hing pierce my heart as I realize I am moments away from his decision.

Next, Allison Aranda, Esq., one of my attorney’s asks the Judge for permission to have Dr. Levon R. Yuille (Director of the National Black Pro-Life Congress, Ypsilanti, Michigan), Pastor Stephen Edwards Broden (Fair Park Bible Fellowship, Dallas, Texas) and Pastor Dion Evans (Chosen Vessels Christian Church, Alameda, California) speak on my behalf.

Judge Hing graciously grants our request and the words of each man strengthen my heart.

To fully appreciate how much this moment impacted me, you have to understand that during the thirteen (13) days of my trail I sat in the defendant’s chair listening to false accusations, the vilification of my character and arguments on why my freedom should be taken away from me.

Today, however, is different.

Today, the courtroom and the hallways are packed with the saints of God standing with my wife (Lori) and I.

Today, God’s own from around the world are praying for Lori and I, as we stand ready to receive Judge Hing’s decision.

Today I have three (3) African-American Pastors (my brothers) standing up and speaking up for me and as they spoke I felt Heaven’s strength rising in my heart.

Today is different, because after each of my brothers stood up and spoke up on my behalf, it will finally be my turn to speak.

Today is different, because during my trial I let four (4) hours of video covering both days in question (April 29th, 2008 and May 13th, 2008) speak for me.

Today is different, because today, I will stand before Judge Hing and speak for myself.

This is what I said:

Your Honor, I believe an unjust law is no law at all.

I believe the law that I have been convicted of is an unjust law.

It is my intention to continue my efforts to save the life of the unborn child by reaching out to the men and women going into the abortion clinic with the love of Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour.

If you are asking me if I will carry a tape measure with me, I will not.

I will, however, do my best to comply with this unjust law until the completion of the ongoing civil case that is challenging the constitutionality of the law.

I thanked Judge Hing for allowing me to speak and sat down.

Again, Judge Hing asks me to accept his terms of probation.

And again, I refuse to agree to give up my constitutionally guaranteed free speech rights.

In the end Judge Hing refused to accept my refusal and sentenced me to:

• Three (3) years of probation which terms include a one hundred (100) yard stay away order from 200 Webster Street Clinic, in Oakland, California.
• A $130.00 fee of some sort, plus a $1,000.00 fine for a total of $1,130.00.
• A suspended thirty (30) day jail sentence that could be completed by serving thirty (30) days in jail, or by completing the sheriff’s work program or by volunteering serve the community in a court approved program.

However, I meant what I said …

I believe an unjust law is no law at all.

I believe this law, the law that I have been convicted of violating, is an unjust law.

In his 1963 “Letter from a Birmingham Jail,” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., wrote:

“You express a great deal of anxiety over our willingness to break laws. This is certainly a legitimate concern. Since we so diligently urge people to obey the Supreme Court’s decision of 1954 outlawing segregation in the public schools, at first glance it may seem rather paradoxical for us consciously to break laws.

One may well ask: ‘How can you advocate breaking some laws and obeying others?’

The answer lies in the fact that there are two types of laws: just and unjust. I would be the first to advocate obeying just laws.

One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. I would agree with St. Augustine that “an unjust law is no law at all”.

Now, what is the difference between the two? How does one determine whether a law is just or unjust? A just law is a man-made code that squares with the moral law or the law of God. An unjust law is a code that is out of harmony with the moral law.

To put it in the terms of St. Thomas Aquinas: An unjust law is a human law that is not rooted in eternal .law and natural law. Any law that uplifts human personality is just. Any law that degrades human personality is unjust.

All segregation statutes are unjust because segregation distorts the soul and damages the personality. It gives the segregator a false sense of superiority and the segregated a false sense of inferiority.

Segregation, to use the terminology of the Jewish philosopher Martin Buber, substitutes an “I-it” relationship for an “I-thou” relationship and ends up relegating persons to the status of things. Hence segregation is not only politically, economically and sociologically unsound, it is morally wrong and sinful.

Paul Tillich said that sin is separation. Is not segregation an existential expression of man’s tragic separation, his awful estrangement, his terrible sinfulness? Thus it is that I can urge men to obey the 1954 decision of the Supreme Court, for it is morally right; and I can urge them to disobey segregation ordinances, for they are morally wrong.

Let us consider a more concrete example of just and unjust laws. An unjust law is a code that a numerical or power majority group compels a minority group to obey but does not make binding on itself. This is difference made legal. By the same token, a just law is a code that a majority compels a minority to follow and that it is willing to follow itself. This is sameness made legal.

Let me give another explanation. A law is unjust if it is inflicted on a minority that, as a result of being denied the right to vote, had no part in enacting or devising the law. Who can say that the legislature of Alabama, which set up that state’s segregation laws, was democratically elected?

Throughout Alabama all sorts of devious methods are used to prevent Negroes from becoming registered voters, and there are some counties in which, even though Negroes constitute a majority of the population, not a single Negro is registered. Can any law enacted under such circumstances be considered democratically structured?

Sometimes a law is just on its face and unjust in its application.

For instance, I have been arrested on a charge of parading without a permit. Now, there is nothing wrong in having an ordinance, which requires a permit for a parade. But such an ordinance becomes unjust when it is used to maintain segregation and to deny citizens the First Amendment privilege of peaceful assembly and protest.

I hope you are able to see the distinction I am trying to point out.

In no sense do I advocate evading or defying the law, as would the rabid segregationist. That would lead to anarchy. One who breaks an unjust law must do so openly, lovingly, and with a willingness to accept the penalty.

I submit that an individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for law.”

Like Saint Augustine, I believe “an unjust law is no law at all.”

Like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I believe Christians have a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws.

Judge Hing, with all due respect, I meant what I said in court.

Judge Hing, with all due respect, I refuse to agree to your terms of probation.

Judge Hing, with all due respect, I refuse to give up my constitutionally guaranteed free speech rights.

Judge Hing, with all due respect, it is my intention to continue my efforts to save the life of the unborn child by reaching out to the men and women going into the abortion clinic with the love of Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour.

Judge Hing, with all due respect, if you are asking me if I will carry a tape measure with me, I will not.

Judge Hing, with all due respect, I will, however, do my best to comply with this unjust law until the completion of the ongoing civil case that is challenging the constitutionality of the law.

Judge Hing, with all due respect, I must do what I can to save my people.

Judge Hing, with all due respect, I must do what I can to stop the shedding of innocent blood.

Many have asked how can they support me financially.

If the Lord leads you to give, please give to the Life Legal Defense Foundation.

I highly recommend supporting this awesome organization.

May God bless you and keep you all.

It’s Do Time!

Luke 9:51 (King James Version)

“And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem.”

This passage marks the beginning of Jesus’ journey to the cross.  His face is set “to go to Jerusalem.”  The time for bible study is over.  The time for prayer meetings is over.  The time for performing miracles is over.  At this point in Jesus’ ministry, He has already done these things.  It is not that He will not do them again or that such was a waste of time.  It is however, now time to do what His Father in Heaven sent him here to do.  His face is set “to go to Jerusalem.”  It is now time for Jesus to make His way to the cross and be crucified for the sins of all mankind.  It is time now for Jesus to go to Jerusalem where He will die for your sins and mine.

Bible study is fine.  There is nothing wrong with bible study.  Please do not stop studying your bible.  The bible teaches us to study to show ourselves approved to be workmen that need not be ashamed.  Prayer meetings are fine.  The bibles teaches us to always pray.  Still the challenge before us today is the same challenge that Jesus faced in His day.  Namely, when are we going to do what our Father in Heaven has sent us here to do?  When are we going to be about our Father’s business?  When are we going to set our face “to go to Jerusalem?”

Ever wonder why your spiritual growth is so slow?  Ever wonder why the Church seems so powerless?  Ever wonder why our families are faltering?  Ever wonder why our jails are full?  Ever wonder why the abortion rate in the African-American community is so high and why our church attendance is so low?  It is really a small wonder.  The world can see our walk does not match our talk.  There is a clear difference between what we say and what we do.  And the difference is in the doing!

If we as Christians are going to overcome evil as opposed to learning how to live with evil, it is time for us to set our face “to go to Jerusalem.” It’s “do time!”

---

How To Evaluate Leadership!

I“…have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.“  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered these words on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, Washington D.C., August 28, 1963.  I agree with Dr. King.  People should be judged or evaluated based on the “content of their character” and not the “color of their skin.”  However, for us to fully understand this powerful statement, it is important to note that Dr. King was a republican and a conservative Black baptist preacher from the south.  As such, I believe Dr. King’s use of the term “character” should be understood to mean “biblical character.”

Unfortunately, we are not living in a nation that evaluates people on the basis of their character.  The question before us today is not “what” to evaluate, but “how” to evaluate.  This question is especially relevant today as Barack Obama begins to serve as the forty-fourth (44th) President of the United States of America.  In terms of leadership “what” to evaluate is clear.  We are to judge leaders by the “content of their character.”  Yet, without a clearly defined set of criteria for “good leadership” that has been found true, tried, tested and timeless, we do not know “how” evaluate a leader.

As such, and for your consideration, below are my seven (7) biblically-based and non-negotiable, criteria for evaluating leaders and/or a leaders potential.

Will The Leader …

1.  Install Godly Judges (Isaiah 1:26; Proverbs 14:34; Psalm 2:10-12; Ezra 7:25; 2nd Chronicles 19:6,7).
2.  Protect Unborn Human Life (Exodus 1:14-21; 20:13; Leviticus 20:3; Jeremiah 32:35; Psalm 139:13-16; Isaiah 44:2,24; Matthew 2:16-18; Luke 1:44).
3.  Oppose The Ennoblement Of Homosexuality (Genesis 1:27; 2:24; Leviticus 20:13; 1st Kings 14:24; Jeremiah 6:15; Romans 1:26,27; 1st Timothy 1:9-11).
4.  Protect Parental Rights (Deuteronomy 4:9,10; 6:6-8; 11:18-20; Ephesians 6:1; Colossians 3:20).
5.  Publicly Acknowledge God And Honor Him In Public Policy (Proverbs 3:5,6; Psalm 107:2; Matthew 5:37; Romans 1:28).
6.  Promote The “Ten Commandments” (Exodus 20:2-17; 34:27,28; Deuteronomy 5:6-21; Matthew 5:17).
7.  Help The Poor (Deuteronomy 15:11; 24:12; Job 29:12-16; Psalm 41:1; Proverbs 14:21; 19:17; 21:13; 31:20, Matthew 19:21; 25:34-40; Mark 10:21; 14:7; Luke 14:13,14; 18:22; Galatians 2:10).

If an existing leader or candidate for leadership fails any of these biblical tests, he or she fails or will fail as a leader and does not merit our support.

It’s “do time” and the question is, in light of the Word of God, what are you going to do?

The Verdict Versus The Victory

The VERDICT came exactly one (1) year to the day, Tuesday, January 15th of 2008, since the Oakland City Counsel passed “Title 8 Health and Safety Chapter 8.52: Access to Reproductive Health Care Facilities” of Oakland’s Municipal Code. 

It was around 1:55 P.M. on Thursday, January 15th of 2009, a beautiful day in downtown Oakland, California. I was sitting outside enjoying lunch at Ratto’s, a sidewalk deli and grocery that I highly recommend. The company was perfect as my wife (Lori) and my lawyer (Allison Aranda, Esq.), shared stories about growing up in their respective families that shaped their commitment to Christ today. I had almost forgot why I was in Oakland that afternoon when Allison received a call from Department 109 on the fifth (5th) floor of the Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse, 661 Washington Street, Oakland, California 94607-3922, where the Honorable Stuart Hing is presiding. It was time. The Jury had reached a decision regarding my trial. It was time to report back to court and receive the VERDICT.

Please, allow me to share a little background to these events for those who are new to my story.

My name is Walter B. Hoye II and on Tuesday, May 13th of 2008 I was arrested for allegedly violating “Title 8 Health and Safety Chapter 8.52: Access to Reproductive Health Care Facilities” of Oakland’s Municipal Code on both Tuesday April 29th of 2008 and Tuesday, May 13th of 2008.

Please use the link below read the City of Oakland, California’s new ordinance:

- Title 8 Health And Safety Code
- Chapter 8.52 Access To Reproductive Health Care Facilities

Soon after my arrest the Alameda County Deputy District Attorney, Robert Graff, then expanded the above two (2) counts to four (4) counts. Two (2) for violating the above ordinance and two (2) for allegedly using “force, threat of force, or physical obstruction” against two (2) of the abortion clinic escorts. The penalty for each count is one year in jail and/or a $2,000.00 fine. So when my trial started I was facing four (4) years in jail and/or an $8,000.00 fine.

Right after my arraignment on Wednesday, June 11th of 2008, we filed a demurrer to the complaint, on the grounds that the complaint against me should have to name, or at least describe with sufficient specificity, the particular “victim” of the approach.  The demurrer was overruled which means the Court did not accept our argument.

At a pre-trial hearing  on Friday, July 18th of 2008, both of the abortion clinic escorts were cross-examined. Under oath and the penalty of perjury, both escorts admitted that I never used force against them, threatened them, or blocked them in any way.  They proudly testified that they routinely block my person, my sign, (“Jesus loves you and your baby.  Let us help you!”) and my plea (“May I talk to you about alternatives to the clinic?”) to prevent clinic patients from  talking with me .   One escort even went as far as to testify that I was “nice” in a sort of passive aggressive way.  Still, that day, neither the presiding Judge, nor the Deputy District Attorney would dismiss the charges.

I praised God when during my thirteen (13) day trial (December 22nd, 23rd, 29th, 30th of 2008; January 5th – 9th; 12th – 15th of 2009), Judge Hing, after hearing the testimony of the abortion clinic escorts, dismissed one (1) count of harassing an abortion clinic escort.  Now I am facing three (3) years in jail and/or a $6,000.00 fine. At this point in the trial, I was thinking I would eventually be exonerated.

Thank you for your patience. Now back to our story:

At around 2:15 P.M. the three (3) of us were standing just outside the door of the courtroom as the door was locked. Soon the Bailiff would open the door and I would walk into the courtroom and sit in the defendant’s chair once again. The defendant’s chair is located right in front of the Bailiff’s desk and chair and while comfortable it is purposely a chair without wheels so as to limit the defendant’s ability to move suddenly. The Bailiff’s armed presence was a constant reminder that I was not free.

The courtroom was almost empty as people began to enter. Jack Sullivan, a very good friend of mine and my wife sat on the side of the courtroom where I was while those who curse me and hate me sat behind the Prosecutor. I could hear each side casually chatting, trying to guess the Jury’s decision. Each side believed the facts of the case supported their suppositions.

Soon the Judge asked the Bailiff to escort the Jury into the courtroom and while the men and women of the Jury walked into the courtroom you could feel a silence descend upon all conversation.

The Judge is sitting on the bench, the Prosecutor is on my right, the Bailiff is right behind me and my chair feels like it is stuck to the floor, effectively locking me into the table where I am sitting. Time has really slowed down now.

I can hear the Judge ask the Jury:  “Have you reached a VERDICT?”

I can hear the Jury Foreman say:  “We have, your Honor.”

At this point, suffering for Christ sake is no longer an academic exercise. At this point being persecuted for the sake of the Gospel is no longer a “righteous risk” taken by “them”, “they”, “these” and “those” in a Bible story. At this point, it is not about Moses and Aaron or Elijah and Elisha or Paul and Silas or any other Biblical character or courageous Saint for that matter. At this point, it is about me, my wife, my family, my life, my cross, my faith, my Christ.

All of a sudden my mind is flooded with questions:

What am I going to do? Where will my faith in God lead me? Is my confidence in Christ real enough to pass this test? Will I practice what I preach? Will my walk match my talk? Will the Son of God be revealed in me to the glory of God or will I falter along the way and publicly fail my Lord and Saviour?

So quickly and forcefully are the questions coming now that I almost audibly, in a loud voice, in the middle of the courtroom, in front of the Judge and the Jury, in front of the Bailiff, right next to both the Defense and the Prosecution and all in attendance, begin to question my motives?

Don’t I get it?

My obedience to Christ will cost other people.

What about my wife and family?

What about the safety and comfort of those who love me?

What about the hopes and dreams those who are praying for me?

Must they all suffer as a direct result of my convictions?

Am I really going to make every effort to remain loyal to Christ at the expense of His precious Saints?

Do I really believe God will look after those who will be hurt as a result of my obedience to Him?

Am I really willing to obey and leave all consequences with my Lord?

Is having a “right relationship” with Christ really more precious to me than life itself?

Am I really willing to sacrifice my safety and comfort for the lives of those that would not, have not and will not ever do the same for me?

Am I really willing to give up a life I cannot keep for a life I cannot lose?

Am I really willing to be wounded by some and rejected by others to save the life of an unborn child?

Am I really willing to live by faith and then die having never received the promise?

Am I really willing to be discarded, disgraced, dismissed, discredited, discharged, disfavored and fall into disrepute among my own people for the sake of Christ?

At this point the reality of my circumstances weighs heavily upon my heart and hits me hard right between the eyes.

However, at this point, Job 13:15: “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.” is sinking deep into my thoughts.

At this point, I realize I have not hurried out of harm’s way or collapsed under the pressure.

At this point, I realize I am facing the future with a faith I never had before.

At this point, it only appears I am sitting alone in the defendant’s chair on the outside, when in fact I am standing with Christ, my advocate, on the inside.

At this point I have the strength to smile and sit still knowing my Lord is God!

At this point, I can feel the power behind Psalm 115:3: “But our God is in the heavens: He hath done whatsoever He hath pleased.”

You can hear a pin drop in the courtroom as the Judge asks for the VERDICT from the Jury. The foreman hands the 8.5 by 11 inch manila envelope over to the Bailiff who walks it over to the Judge. It felt like I was counting every step the Bailiff took.

The Judge opens the envelope and slowly reads the VERDICT without any facial expressions. I tried to read the words of the VERDICT reflected in the eyes of the Judge, in a vain attempt to discern the Jury’s VERDICT in hopes of readying myself for a severe blow. I desperately wanted to know the VERDICT and at the same time I was very afraid to know the Jury’s decision. The Judge stopped reading and I swallowed hard thinking the Judge was about to read the VERDICT.

I was thinking …

This is it!

But it wasn’t.

The Judge then handed the Jury’s VERDICT over to the Court Clerk who took her time reading and organizing the papers in her hands … one page right after the other.

Finally, the Court Clerk cleared her throat and began to read the contents of those pages, that is to say the Jury’s VERDICT.

I am yelling within myself …

This is it! The VERDICT is on those pages and I can feel it.

No more waiting. No more guessing. No more praying. No more meetings. No more strategizing. No more sermons. No more Bible study. No more dinners alone with Lori.

This is it! The VERDICT is on those pages and I can feel it.

My heart almost stops beating as I realize this is not a drill. This is not practice. This is not a “dry run” where I would have a chance to experience the magnitude of this moment without its corresponding consequences.

This is it! The VERDICT is on those pages and I can feel it.

This is the very moment of truth I have dreamed of. This is where I face the harsh reality of man’s law wearing the whole armour of God.

It was at this moment, not knowing exactly what to do, I instinctively lifted my shield of faith, held it over my chest and looked into the eyes of the Court Clerk.

Finally the Court Clerk read the Jury’s VERDICT out loud:

“Regarding Count #1 we find the defendant GUILTY!”

I am physically stunned!

The word “GUILTY” hits me like a fiery dart from a high-speed rifle.

“Regarding Count #3, we find the defendant GUILTY!”

Again, the word “GUILTY” hits me like a fiery dart only this time it feels like I was fired upon from point blank range.

I am stunned but I noticed, on the inside, I am still standing with Christ.

I am stunned, but on the inside I am calm, collected and composed.

“Regarding Court #4, we find the defendant NOT GUILTY!”

I am stunned, but I can hear the words “NOT GUILTY.”

I am stunned and while I understand the meaning and the significance of the words “NOT GUILTY,” understanding the words “NOT GUILTY” only serves to reinforce my understanding of the word “GUILTY” and it feels like I have been hit with a fiery dart for yet a third time.

While the Court Clerk sits down, I notice, almost involuntary, that my shield of faith is still up and realize the onslaught is not over.

As my mind races to comprehend my new reality, a whole new wave of attack begins and suddenly I can hear the “Accuser of the Brethren” whisper in my ear:

“He saved others but He did NOT save you!”

“He did NOT save Himself, why would He save you!”

“God does NOT love you enough to deliver you out of my hands.”

“See, you were WRONG!”

“Your SINS have found you out!”

“God CANNOT use you!”

“WHO do you think you are?”

“Your LIFE is over now!”

“Fighting abortion is the biggest MISTAKE you have ever made.”

“There is no VICTORY for you, only a VERDICT.”

“You have NEVER won and you will NEVER win!”

“You are all ALONE now!”

“NOBODY cares.”

“NOBODY can help you.”

“This what you get for taking a BIBLICAL stand!”

By the grace of God, my shield of faith is still up.

The Judge thanks the Jury and excuses them.

After the Jury has left the courtroom, the Judge shares with counsel on both sides he is considering taking me into custody now with the plan of sentencing me the next day.

Still, my shield of faith is up.

The Prosecutor does not object, however, the Christ in my lawyer (Allison Aranda, Esq.), fights for me and the Judge reconsiders remanding me into custody if I will agree to stay 100 yards away from the abortion clinic on 200 Webster Street in Oakland, California and stay eight ( 8 ) feet away from the persons identified in my case until I am sentenced.

The Judge looks me in the eye and in a soft voice asked me if I am willing to obey his order.

I take a moment to talk with Allison and discuss my options.

At this point, I am looking for the quickest way to pay my newly acquired “debt to the people” and be free. However, Allison explains to me that none of the options available to me will accomplish my goal. The Jury has found me guilty of two (2) violations of section (b) of the ordinance (i.e., Section 8.52.030: “Prohibited harassment of individuals seeking access to health care facilities”), the “no approach without consent” provision.  They are both misdemeanors, NOT felonies.  Each count carries a year in jail and/or a $2,000.00 fine.

With so much ministry already scheduled and left to accomplish this month, my freedom at this point is critical. I am advised to agree to the Judge’s order.

I pause for a moment, wondering if I have overlooked something.

I pause just for a moment, waiting for God to give me an idea we failed to consider, a thought we failed to notice or a strategy we “missed in the midst” of the trial that would redeem the day.

Nothing comes and the moment passes.

Finally, I look at the Judge say: “Yes your Honor!”

The Judge is now satisfied and grants me my freedom until 1:30 P.M., Thursday, February 19th of 2009 where I will report to Department 109 on the fifth (5th) floor of the Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse, 661 Washington Street, Oakland, California 94607-3922, where the Honorable Stuart Hing is presiding to be sentenced.

Still, my shield of faith is up.

Providentially, my wife (Lori) had stepped outside the courtroom to see if the Jury had gone home and heard my adversaries discuss plans to use the Judges order like a sword against me. Their plan was to come to my church in Berkeley, and to our events in Oakland with the idea of using the Judge’s order to chase me out of the pulpit and force me to leave from leading our events in Oakland.

Still, my shield of faith is up.

Lori shares this information with Allison and again, the spirit of Christ in Allison is stirred. Allison valiantly fights for me. Over the course of my trial, Allison has poured out her heart and soul for me. I am grateful and blessed beyond measure to have the Life Legal Defense Foundation (LLDF) representing me. At times during the trial I was being defended by three (3) divinely gifted and inspired lawyers (Mike Millen, Esq., Katie Short, Esq. and Allison Aranda, Esq.). I consider myself to be in their debt. God used the LLDF to protect me and encourage me in my darkest hours. Without LLDF my fate would have been much worst.

I am deeply grateful for their love and uncompromising support. In my opinion, LLDF is worthy of your financial gifts. If you were considering giving to ease the cost of my legal representation, then please give to LLDF.

When Allison rested the heart of the Judge was moved to modify the stay away order. The new order only requires me to stay 100 yards away from the abortion clinic on 200 Webster Street in Oakland, California and from contacting any of the persons identified in my case.

This modification effectively allows me to continue to preach in my church and give leadership to our events in Oakland without being legally chased away by my adversaries.

While I cannot return to the abortion clinic on 200 Webster Street and while this horribly unjust law aimed at Christians stays in effect, I will continue to work towards the defeat of what I call Oakland’s “No Christ” zone by other means within the legal freedoms that are still available to me.

It’s almost 4:30 P.M. on Thursday, January 15th of 2009.

It’s Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday again and I can still hear his words in my heart:

“The Negro cannot win as long as he is willing to sacrifice the lives of his children for comfort and safety.”  – Martin Luther King, Jr.

This is not the end of my story.

My life is not over yet.

“The VERDICT versus the VICTORY” will continue.

My shield of faith is still up.

I believe we will win!

May God get the glory!

May God’s will be done!

May God’s Son be revealed in me!

Thank you for your love, your prayers and your support.

May God bless you all!

A Serious Conflict Of Interest!

The silence in the Black American Church regarding the evil of abortion is killing us.  The numbers reflecting the impact of abortion in the Black American community are horrifying.

From 1882 until 1968, 3,446 Black Americans were lynched here in the U.S. Today, that number is surpassed in 2.8 days by abortion in the Black community. [1]

The abortion rate for black women is almost five times that for white women [2].  Sixty-nine percent (69%) of pregnancies among black women are unintended. [3]  Every 1.2 minutes of every single day of the year in America, a black baby is aborted.

According to the U.S. Census Report of 2006, which is given to the Senate and the Congress, Black Americans need 2.1 live births to replace themselves.  At this point Black Americans are currently below the replacement level at 1.9.  This means Black Americans are no longer replacing themselves because there are more deaths than live births. [4]

It has been reported that the abortion rate for black women is 543 abortions for every 1000 births.  In other words a black baby has less than a fifty percent (50%) chance of being born alive.  Yet Black American leadership continues to support the pro-choice movement.  

Why?

Why did ninety-six percent (96%) of Black America vote for our President-Elect, Barack Obama, a man who supports abortion, the very action that is killing five percent (5%) of the black population?  This is a very serious conflict of interest.

Is Black American leadership afraid to acknowledge how dangerous the President-Elect’s support of abortion is?

Are Black American leader’s too un-informed to be outraged that for years our President-Elect has been supporting and currently is supported by the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc., an organization that is the leading provider of surgical abortions in the United States of America?

Is it possible that Black Americans really believe the product of a human father and a human mother can be anything other than a human being?

Do Black Americans really believe a man or a woman has the right to kill their child?

Can it be true that Black Americans really believe it is best to allow our babies to be physically dismembered and sucked out of their mother’s womb into biohazardous waste bags because the child’s parents income is below the federal poverty level?

Do Black Americans really believe the reason a Black woman kills her child is because she understands the value of an education, the benefits of a job and the responsibilities of parenthood and family life?

Do Black Americans really believe that if a Black woman does not have the love and support of a man, she should consider terminating the life of her baby?

Do Black Americans really believe there is a “time and place” to suspend the constitutional rights of our offspring?

The statistics would say “yes” to all of the above and as a Black American man of the cloth, I am ashamed of the Black Church’s unwillingness to opening, publicly and forthrightly, address the morally reprehensible impact of abortion in the Black community.

According to Day Gardner, President of the National Black Pro-Life Union, abortion is the number one killer of Black Americans.  Abortion kills more black people than heart attacks, stroke, HIV-AIDS, accidents, cancer, violent crime and all other deaths combined.

Yet our pulpits, if not supporting pro-choice leaders, have been criminally silent on the issue of abortion and negligent in providing tangible and practical help such as Post Abortion Counseling and Education (PACE) programs to men, women and families in the pews who have been deceived by the lies of a pro-death society and horribly hurt by a rabid abortion industry.

God has ordained the man of God to serve this present age and given him the power to speak truth in to the hearts of people.  In the Black community no one has more influence than the Pastor and brothers we have willfully allowed ourselves to be deceived by our own self-interests.  Abortion is clearly a moral issue and the Word of God requires us to stand up and speak out against it. [5]

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in his “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” dated April 16, 1963, wrote:

“Whenever the early Christians entered a town the power structure got disturbed and immediately sought to convict them for being ‘disturbers of the peace’ and ‘outside agitators.’ But they went on with the conviction that they were ‘a colony of heaven,’ and had to obey God rather than man. They were small in number but big in commitment. They were too God-intoxicated to be ‘astronomically intimidated.’  They brought an end to such ancient evils as infanticide and gladiatorial contest.”

Let us face this new year without fear.

Let us humble ourselves and seek God’s face.

Let us repent of our sins and ask God to forgive us.

Let us like the early Christians boldly choose to obey God rather than man and bring an end to abortion anywhere and everywhere it exists.

---

 

Footnotes:

[1] Statistics provided  by the Archives at Tuskegee Institute, accessed January 1, 2009.

[2] The Alan Guttmacher Institute Policy Review: Summer 2008, Volume 11, Number 3, accessed January 1, 2009.

 [3] The Alan Guttmacher Institute: Facts on Induced Abortion in the United States, accessed January 1, 2009.

[4] U.S. Census Report of 2006 and refer to chart 77, accessed January 1, 2009

[5] King James Version of the Bible: Leviticus 18:3, 20:21-24; 21; 20:1-5; Deuteronomy 12:29-31; 2 Kings 23:10; Jeremiah 7:31,32 ; 19:4-6; Ezekiel 16:20,21; 23:36,37.  This is a partial list of scripture references.