Pastor Shane Idleman Admits Abortion Decision Still Haunts Him After 23 Years

The lead pastor and founder of a church in Lancaster, California, has revealed that he regrets allowing his girlfriend to have an abortion 23 years ago.

Shane Idleman of the Westside Christian Fellowship, who is also the author of seven books and a host of a Christian radio program, wrote in the church website that his past decision pains him until today.

"Approximately 23 years ago, as a prodigal, I conceded to my girlfriend's request to abort our child around the fifth week of conception. The pain of that decision still haunts me today," he wrote. "What would the child look like? Was it a boy or a girl? I can picture walking and talking with my child...watching his or her first steps...holding them when they cry and rejoicing with them when they succeed."

He said his decision to come forward and reveal his secret came when he saw a magazine article about how pastors still avoid preaching about abortion. "Although my confession was not intended for publication, the need to address silence in the pulpit about abortion outweighs the pain of releasing it," Idleman said.

He said pastors play an important "role in shaping the direction of the country."

"We can no longer remain silent while silent screams go unheard. Deep repentance must take place at the individual and national level; our consciences have been seared. Our job is to preach the totality of God's word, including those things that are hard to hear, so that both conviction and comfort take place," he added.

Idleman said pastors should preach about the topic. "Pastors are to be pillars who support truth. When was the last time your pastor discussed this controversial topic from the pulpit? Change will not occur until we confront sin rather than hide from it," he said.

He said controversial topics such as abortion are rarely mentioned. "Today, the truth is often neglected, watered-down, or avoided altogether in the hope of not offending and building an audience. Abortion is rarely mentioned, so repentance is rarely sought and hope is elusive," he added.

"We want to build a church rather than break a heart; be politically correct rather than biblically correct; coddle and comfort rather than stir and convict," he added.