We are grounded in the example of Jesus and committed to a fuller expression of God's heart
The ProGrace Framework
Equal Value, Equal Dignity
As Christians, we believe all humans are made in the image of God (imago Dei) and have inherent, God-given dignity. While the abortion debate asks which person we will value over the other, a prograce response to abortion affirms the equal value and dignity of both the woman and the child involved in a pregnancy. This, unlike the talking points of both our political parties, is a uniquely Christian response to abortion.
Genesis 1:26-27, Psalm 139:13-16, John 3:16, Matthew 6:26, Matthew 25:35-40
Transformed by Grace
Jesus taught that grace is God’s pathway to transformation, beginning in our own hearts and extending into our communities. Grace meets us in our complex human condition and moves us toward curiosity and compassion—for ourselves, as we acknowledge ways we may have contributed to harm in this conversation; for those who hold different policy views than we do; and for those with lived experience of unintended pregnancy and abortion. While the abortion debate focuses on changing other people, Christians transformed by grace are freed to look inward and focus on our own call to resemble Jesus.
Scripture Foundation: John 1:16-17, Luke 15:11-32, Romans 3:21-24, Romans 5:12-21, John 8:1-11
Shared Values Above Political Allegiance
When Jesus said, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s” (Matthew 22:21), he distinguished the work of politics from the work of God. Throughout the history of the Church, we see that true change and restoration come through people who take on the character of Jesus rather than wielding political power. While Christians will hold different policy views on abortion, we are united by shared values that are far more formative, calling us to honor the image Dei in people across the political aisle and collectively reflect Jesus in the abortion conversation.
Zechariah 4:6, Matthew 22:15-22, John 13:34-35, John 18:36, Romans 12:1-2
Our Shared Responsibility
Jesus consistently protected vulnerable people from judgment, warning religious leaders, “Woe to you… because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them” (Luke 11:46). To reflect Jesus in the abortion conversation, we must recognize the ways we have collectively contributed to burdens around pregnancy and parenting. Rather than focusing on abortion as an individual’s decision, Christians can focus on this shared responsibility to improve realities for women and children alike.
Isaiah 1:16-17, Matthew 23: 23-24, Luke 10:33-37, Luke 11:46, James 1:22-27, 1 John 3:17-18
Our Approach to Scripture
We believe Scripture provides the foundation for developing a comprehensive Christian ethical framework to address complex issues like abortion. Instead of isolating proof texts, we look to the broader biblical narrative of God’s heart for human life, justice, and mercy, as demonstrated in Jesus’s ministry.
Key passages that inform our approach include:
Grace and Truth
John 1:14-17
Jesus embodied both grace and truth, showing us they aren’t mutually exclusive—so we don’t have to choose between them
Protection of the Vulnerable
John 8:2-11
Jesus’s response to the woman caught in adultery protects her from the abuse of power, challenges unjust double standards, and exemplifies a ‘grace first’ approach.
Equal Value of All People
Psalm 139:13-16
God’s intimate involvement in creating, seeing, and knowing every person, both woman and child
Transcending False Binaries
Matthew 22:15-22
Jesus’s responses to religious leaders’ attempts to trap him demonstrate how to elevate conversations beyond simplistic either/or arguments
Kingdom Priorities
Luke 17:20-21
When we seek God’s kingdom and goodness above all else, we are changed and can approach important issues more like Jesus
Join thousands of Christians who are bringing a Jesus-centered approach to one of our country’s most divisive conversations.
