wfn.org | NCC statement on murder of George Tiller

["Philip Jenks" <pjenks@ncccusa.org>]

>The murder of Dr. George Tiller

EDITOR'S NOTE. Dr. George Tiller, whose Women's Health Care Services  Clinic in Wichita is one of three in the nation that performs abortions  after the 21st week of pregnancy, was gunned down Sunday, May 31, in the  narthex of Reformation Lutheran Church, Wichita. His murder has been  condemned by President Obama, political and religious leaders, and by  anti-abortion groups alike. The following statement was released by NCC  General Secretary, the Rev. Dr. Michael Kinnamon.

New York, June 3, 2009 -- The 35 member communions of the National  Council of Churches do not have a consensus on the issue of abortion  and consequently the Council has not addressed the issue. 

But we do have a clear consensus about the murder of Dr. George Tiller  as he was welcoming friends and visitors in the narthex of his church  last Sunday: it was a cruel, despicable and evil act. It was a depravity  contrary to scripture and the Word of God, and we condemn it. 

Moreover, we condemn those who use Web sites, television programs,  brochures and other media to encourage the impression that murder in the  name of life is a righteous act. How can Satan, Jesus asked, cast out  Satan? The commandment, "You shall not murder," applies to all, and no  one has the authority to suspend the law of God.

NCC Media Contact: Philip E. Jenks, pjenks@ncccusa.org, 212-870-2228  (Office), 646-853-4212 (cell), www.ncccusa.org