Many of us sat in astonishment last month as we saw politicians and city leaders smiling in New York as they signed the state’s most gruesome abortion law yet. Now babies would be allowed to be killed on their due date, no questions asked.

Later in Virginia, we heard the “moderate” governor, Ralph Northam (a pediatrician!), defend a bill that would allow babies to be killed after delivery. Critics, including Vice President Mike Pence, rightly called it infanticide, comparing such policies to North Korea.

But where was the loud outcry from Christians? That’s what Pastor Jentezen Franklin (Senior Pastor of Free Chapel, a multi-campus church) is wondering, as he posts in this powerful op-ed, originally shared on Newsmax.

We share most of the article with you here, because it is so timely and poignant. We ask, at the end, that you would share your thoughts with us in the comments, as we so want to hear what you feel!

“As I write this article, I sit stunned at both the wickedness of man and the silence of Christ’s followers and ambassadors. Surely every Christian leader in America felt a seismic shift in their spirit as the slaughter of more innocent children has been legislated in one state and spelled out and defended by the governor in another.

“I know I’m not the only pastor to be mortified upon watching the New York State Senate give a standing ovation with loud cheers of approval when they removed abortion restrictions to allow for ending the life of a child right up until the point of birth.

“Just when I thought human depravity had made a new high-water mark, days later Virginia Governor Ralph Northam suggested that physicians in Virginia should be permitted to kill newborn babies if they were unwanted by their parents. What he said are the most horrifying words I’ve ever heard from a politician in my lifetime. In a live radio interview, the governor of Virginia proposed a policy of infanticide.

“This sort of blatant and unthinkable evil should be met with a strong rebuke from every Christian across America.

“Yet I am compelled to ask, where is the outcry from every voice in every church? Where is the mighty roar of God’s people rising up to defend the defenseless?

“Sadly, when I look out across every communication platform we have at our disposal, I find silence from far too many Christian leaders. I see so many of these voices speaking out on nearly every political issue, yet they haven’t addressed the most horrifying issue that’s ever confronted us.

“At a time like this, I think back to the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people.”

“I am not blind to the political climate of America and the polarization that has taken place in both secular and sacred communities. But I must ask this important question of every pastor, faith leader and church member: When was your voice for right and wrong reduced to speaking up depending upon the letter in front of a politician’s name? When did your hatred for a political party or leader become so great that it caused you to be silent on the life of a child for fear of appearing to side with the one you hate?

“Some things transcend politics, and certainly the life of a fully developed, viable, infant is one of those things.

“Again, the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. are fitting in this moment. He once reminded us, “Cowardice asks the question—is it safe? Expediency asks the question—is it politic? Vanity asks the question—is it popular? But conscience asks the question—is it right?”

“I am pleading with each and every Christian, whether you are a leader with a massive platform, or a pastor of a church in small town America, it is your duty to speak out against the growing injustice facing the most vulnerable among us.

“In the year 2019, with the power of social media, we all have a voice. We are all without excuse. Don’t let other political issues keep you from using your voice to defend the life of an unborn child, or now apparently, a newborn child. As we’re commanded in Proverbs 31, ‘Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.’

“My fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, be silent no longer. This is a fight you need to be in; and it’s a fight in which we need to be unified,” ends Franklin’s strong rebuke and plea to Christians.

What do you think of his passionate words? Have you struggled with what to do after hearing the news? We have. It’s hard to know how to have an impact. Often we feel helpless. But we are convicted by Franklin’s words that we must not remain silent. What do you think? Please share with us in the comments! Thank you!

Read more at #1 Thing Christians Should Not Do After New, Gruesome Abortion Laws, Leading Pastor Pleads.