Testimony by Rev. Debra McKnight, Urban Abbey United Methodist Church
In opposition to LB 626
February 1, 2023

My name is Debra McKnight and I have served in Omaha since 2007 as a United Methodist Pastor. I am here to whole-heartedly object to any restrictions, barriers or removal of abortion rights for our neighbors.
As a United Methodist Pastor, I believe one can be faithful and support reproductive rights. I belong to a church that offers care and support to individuals and families as they face challenging circumstances.

In fact, the Christian right’s efforts to fuel the flames against abortion is rooted in The Heritage Foundation’s political desires following their efforts to rally around the racist policies of Bob Jones University. (Dartmouth Historian Randall Balmer’s book Thy Kingdom Come). They literally had a conference call where some pastor said, “how about abortion” and they found the perfect issue to rally people around. It is perfect because it requires nothing of them and heightens self-righteousness.

It is at this time that conservative theologians shift their narratives from life beginning at breath to life beginning with a heart beat. I share this because there may be people who have been hurt by this theology and they deserve to know that it begins with political motivations. As a Pastor, with a Master’s in Divinity from Southern Methodist University, I want to be clear that they are not the only voice in the Christian tradition and are based more in mid-century nostalgia than biblical scholarship.

These laws banning abortion will burden those in poverty and create trauma in those who need medical care. Placing obstacles between an individual or a family and the healthcare decision they make with a medical professional is antithetical to the Christian Tradition that professes to follow a healer. The Christian calling in this work is to expand access to healthcare, to expand care and support.

(To learn more about this bill, please reach out to Manager@TheUrbanAbbey.Org)