Is an SBC Church Supporting an Abortion Clinic?

An online petition alleges a Southern Baptist Church in Oklahoma supports one of their deacons building an abortion clinic and begs Ethics Commission President Russell Moore to intervene.  

“Digging in their heels, they have insisted that even Jesus would not have the deacon forgo the contract and cease his work,” the petition reads. “The company claims that their values of ‘honesty, integrity, empathy and compassion’ implores them to continue the work, and that fellow Christians shouldn’t judge them in the matter. The name of the company is Yarbrough and Sons, owned by a deacon at First Baptist Church in Blanchard, Oklahoma. The staff providing counsel that Yarbrough continue the work is Pastor Andy Finch.” 

A representative for First Baptist Church had no comment.

“We request Russell Moore to heed the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:3-5 and deal first with the support of the abortion industry among Southern Baptist church members. We request that Russell Moore speak to the above-mentioned issue at First Baptist Church in Blanchard, Oklahoma, and their deacon’s business, Yarbrough and Sons, and provide a statement condemning Southern Baptist cooperation with the abortion industry,” the petition concludes.  

So far, more than 300 people have signed the petition. 

However, Yarbrough & Sons released a lengthy statement on Facebook:

“A couple months ago we were subcontracted to supply air conditioning services for a medical clinic. All we knew about the clinic was that it provided health services. We have done work on many hospitals and clinics before so this was not unusually. We were 80% done with the job and started to receive polemic protests, phone calls, voicemails, comments, and reviews. Their intent is to harm our reputation and get people to boycott our company. We are distraught by this the harassment and cyberbullying and have been seeking guidance. My dad has been in contact with our pastor and many mentors over the last couple of days. After much thought, prayer, and mentorship we have decided to complete the job because we are contractually bound and know that a breach of contract is illegal. Such actions would also be dishonoring to our code of conduct and what we believe in. If we had known the women’s clinic also provided services that go against the convictions of the owners and the many men & women within the company, then we simply would not have bid the job and moved on,” reads the statement, in part. 

“Yarbrough & Sons does not investigate the actions of every individual within the residential and commercial building with which we do business. The prior stated would be an egregious practice for decent human interaction to require a completed form of all actions committed and all future actions intended in their home or business. That’s not a very good way to make friends or live the gospel. Discriminatory actions are not a part of our business policy. We gladly provide HVAC to all people unconditionally,” the post reads.