LR Church School Teaches Against Abortion, Others Disagree
By: Hubert Tate
Updated: February 11, 2013
At Embassy Academy, Monday's afternoon lesson centered around abortion. The issue is creating controversy at the Arkansas State Capitol, where lawmakers are debating a bill that would ban abortion after 12 weeks.
Led by Bishop Robert Smith, the Christian-based school teaches against abortion.
"When you talk about abortion and it's legitimate, you are saying God is not legitimate," said Smith.
Smith explains his conviction to the class of middle and high school students, saying there is a motivation behind his passion. The Pastor says the Bible teaches against abortion, so he does.
"We are doing what we do to glorify God by taking care of these children," said Smith.
But some other religious leaders disagree, like Bob Klein at Universalist Unitarian Church of Little Rock.
"Women do have a right to their bodies, and often times they get pregnant without intending to. If abortion is the only option that is available, then I think it needs to be available," said Klein.
Klein says he believes abortions are personal decisions. He adds any legislation banning abortions would be unfair to women's rights.
"We support the individual's own spiritual journey and encourage them to explore what they believe," said Klein.
As for Smith, he makes no apologies about his convictions.
"I'm willing to discuss the matter with anyone who has a reasonable ability to discuss these matters," said Smith.
Led by Bishop Robert Smith, the Christian-based school teaches against abortion.
"When you talk about abortion and it's legitimate, you are saying God is not legitimate," said Smith.
Smith explains his conviction to the class of middle and high school students, saying there is a motivation behind his passion. The Pastor says the Bible teaches against abortion, so he does.
"We are doing what we do to glorify God by taking care of these children," said Smith.
But some other religious leaders disagree, like Bob Klein at Universalist Unitarian Church of Little Rock.
"Women do have a right to their bodies, and often times they get pregnant without intending to. If abortion is the only option that is available, then I think it needs to be available," said Klein.
Klein says he believes abortions are personal decisions. He adds any legislation banning abortions would be unfair to women's rights.
"We support the individual's own spiritual journey and encourage them to explore what they believe," said Klein.
As for Smith, he makes no apologies about his convictions.
"I'm willing to discuss the matter with anyone who has a reasonable ability to discuss these matters," said Smith.
