The theological and strategic distinctives of abolitionism
The Norman Statement is hosted and maintained by Abolitionists Rising. We link to it rather than reproducing it here, so you always read the current text.
Read The Norman Statement →abolitionistsrising.com — opens in a new tab
The Norman Statement on the Abolition of Abortion is, in its own words, a summary of the theological and strategic distinctives of the abolitionist movement. It was drafted by 28 people representing churches and abolitionist organizations from across the United States, and adopted in Norman, Oklahoma, from which it takes its name.
It exists to state plainly what abolitionism is — and what separates it from the mainstream pro-life movement. If you want to understand why we say immediate and total abolition rather than regulation or reduction, this is the clearest place to start.
Summarised below. These are our paraphrases — read the statement itself for the full wording and its scriptural support.
1. Gospel-Centered
Abortion is child sacrifice, and the gospel is the Christian answer to it.
2. Aligned Providentially
Obedience to God comes before political pragmatism.
3. Through the Church
Abolition is led by local churches, not by political parties.
4. Engaged Biblically
Scripture governs the movement, including how it engages politically.
5. Sought Immediately, Without Compromise
Total abolition now, rejecting incremental regulation.
6. National Repentance
The nation stands under God’s judgment; abolition is a matter of repentance.
7. Equal Protection and Criminalization
Abortion prosecuted as homicide, with full legal protection for the preborn.
8. Higher Law and Defying Tyrants
Civil disobedience is justified where the state commands what God forbids.
9. Identification With the Abolitionist Movement
Abolitionism is distinct from the mainstream pro-life movement.
10. The Great Commission
Abolition is a discipleship issue, not merely a political one.
11. The Gospel
Salvation is through Christ alone.
