Pro-Family Advocates Removed From the United Nations

The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women opened last week and within the first three days, representatives of pro-family organizations were told to shut up and get out!

Two representatives from Canada’s largest pro-life organization, Campaign Life Coalition, were escorted out of an event hosted by the Canadian Research Institute for the Advancement of Women (WAGE), as well as being told to stop asking questions in another event hosted by the Forum for Women and Development.

Meanwhile, another advocate from a French pro-family group called Femina Europa was removed from an event hosted by the country of Denmark with the reason being that she “wasn’t on their list” and they had “reached capacity” at the Scandinavia House in New York City when there were still seats available in the event space.

Discrimination against those who take a stand for life and the family at the United Nations is nothing new.

In 2021, Mattea Merta, a pro-family advocate to the UN, was removed from a UN forum for saying that the “moment a woman conceives she is a mother. To refute this is to diminish the beauty of what it is to be a woman, to have the unique ability to carry and create a human life within her body.”

One of the delegates to the UN replied: “This is so reactionary. If you ladies feel fulfilled with motherhood, nice for you, nothing against. But don’t pretend you are feminists.”

Merta then responded: “Ma’am, that was quite rude to say feminism cannot include different perspectives and approaches to achieving women’s rights. Tolerance is very important in these discussions.”

The offended delegate then replied: “You are not a feminist and neither are the so-called pro-choice. You are enemies of the women’s liberation and I will never be tolerant with you.”

The bullying of women and men who hold to a different worldview than those who run the UN system has become a systemic issue.

Last week whilst the Commission was ongoing, an event was held with the Nordic Women’s Council of Ministers who discussed the importance of talking with those who they don’t agree with and yet, only two days later, pro-family representatives were being removed from meetings and told to stop asking their questions.

Adding insult to injury, in recent years, the UN placed a stipulation in for those seeking to host events within the UN campus in New York City. The insult comes by way of an attestation form that is now required for all to sign off on. The issue? This form states that you can only use UN facilities if you agree with their stance on abortion!

This is wrong on multiple levels, with the most critical amongst them being the fact that the UN itself has its own rules in place which state it cannot promote abortion!

How hypocritical.

Perspective

There is a clear double standard within the UN system and an observable bias against those who have a differing set of values and beliefs.

Censoring those you disagree with isn’t just a tell tale sign of insecurity but a limitation to fostering understanding, empathy, and meaningful dialogue.

When we take the time to hear different perspectives, we broaden our own outlook and gain insights that we might not have considered. It encourages open-mindedness and helps in finding common ground, even when disagreements arise.

Censoring dissenting voices not only limits personal growth but also hinders the collective progress of society!

When diverse viewpoints are silenced, it creates an echo chamber that stifles innovation, suppresses crucial conversations, and reinforces division.

If a society desires true progress and innovation, we must ensure that all voices are heard.

Conclusion

So what does the Bible have to say about censorship? You may be surprised!

• Freedom of Expression: The Bible supports speaking truthfully and openly as seen in Ephesians 4:15 where Paul writes, “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”

This verse highlights the importance of speaking the truth, suggesting that open expression of ideas is vital for spiritual growth and the development of the community!

• The Importance of Wisdom and Understanding: Proverbs often encourages listening to others’ viewpoints. Proverbs 18:13 says, “To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.”

This verse emphasizes the value of considering and understanding what others say before reacting or making judgments, which indirectly opposes the act of silencing or censoring voices without proper understanding.

• Jesus and the Call for Open Dialogue: In the Gospels, Jesus often engaged in open dialogue with those who disagreed with Him. He didn’t censor those with opposing views but instead invited them into conversations, offering a chance for transformation which took place through dialogue. John 4:24 is an excellent example as Jesus converses with the Samaritan woman at the well, breaking cultural and social barriers to listen and share openly.

• Freedom in Christ: The New Testament emphasizes that Christians are called to live in freedom, free from the constraints of the law and oppression. 2 Corinthians 3:17 says, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

This Scripture suggests that, in a Christian context, the freedom to express one’s thoughts and ideas aligns with the spiritual freedom Christ offers.

As believers, we see throughout Scripture that fostering an open dialogue, speaking the truth, and respecting others’ viewpoints are important values that oppose actions aimed at unjustly silencing or censoring voices, and as such, we are to stand in the way of censorship.

Thank you for your support.

If you appreciate the work we do to spread the good news of Jesus Christ, please consider giving a gift to help us continue this work. Maranatha!