the Bible Belt and is the largest evangelical denomination in the nation, Reformed churches — those in western Michigan in particular — have long been a powerhouse of conservative Christian thought and politics.
It was an uncompromising world, she said, “with little room for nuance.” For a child, the “simplicity was easy to embrace.” She felt herself changing. She wondered whether she had been naive in believing that her fight saved souls and lives. Such questions were a challenge to her faith and identity. Over two decades, they launched small churches in Traverse City, Michigan, and Washington, D.C. She found a part-time job at the Faith and Politics Institute, a group whose mission is to bring together politicians on both sides of the aisle.But something felt off. D.C. wasn’t home. Being progressive church planters was difficult in a big, liberal city, where for many, picking a house of worship seemed like shopping at a department store.
Her middle-of-the-road statement and other opinions — such as her stance against Trump’s first presidential campaign — were radical for Holland. Old high school friends blocked her on Facebook and refused to speak to her, describing her as supporting “baby killers.” Others reached out to her to share their secrets of undergoing abortions and hiding them out of fear of being ostracized.
“I don’t think many in our community would support making it illegal, but we come in with different views,” said Bryan Berghoef, who lost a Democratic bid for Congress in 2020 and was mocked by other Christians for not being “pro-life” enough. Some in Holland questioned how a man could be both a pastor and a Democrat.
Christy Berghoef’s transformed Civil War-era shed has served as a backyard office, a church broadcast studio and a meeting space for heavy discussions with other Christians weighing issues like abortion. In the spruced-up shed in their backyard, the Berghoefs have created an informal community space for like-minded individuals to come together over craft beers and Michigan wines.
Pro birth. Not pro life.
I don't understand how support for this one issue outweighs the corruption and hate fostering of the political party that says they're pro life. God doesn't live in D.C., with either party,but hate is a personal choice.