Bishop Patrick Wooden’s Controversial Take on Slavery, Race, and Abortion: A Deeper Look

Bishop Patrick Wooden recently stirred significant debate with his bold sermon addressing the history of slavery, racial dynamics, and the ongoing impact of abortion on Black communities in America.

His message confronts long-held beliefs and invites us to reconsider uncomfortable truths about who profited from slavery and who continues to harm Black lives today.

Wooden began by acknowledging the ugliness of human nature, expressing frustration with how easily people get offended by his words despite his adherence to biblical teachings.

His core argument challenges the widespread notion that white people “manufactured” slaves.

Instead, he asserts that white slave traders purchased slaves from African sellers, primarily in West Africa.

This perspective compels us to ask a difficult question: who is worse—the buyer or the seller? Wooden suggests that understanding this is crucial to grasping the full scope of the transatlantic slave trade’s historical complexity.

He then transitions to a discussion about the consequences of emancipation.

According to Wooden, once Black people were freed, they became a “population problem” for certain groups who sought to control or reduce their numbers.

This led to the rise of eugenics and birth control initiatives, which he claims were designed specifically to target Black communities.

He cites Margaret Sanger, founder of Planned Parenthood, who infamously referred to Black people as “human weed.”

Wooden alleges that Planned Parenthood deliberately placed 78% of its abortion clinics in predominantly Black and brown neighborhoods, effectively decimating Black populations through abortion.

The bishop’s sermon also touches on the political implications of these issues.

He criticizes the Democratic Party, which garners significant support from Black voters, for its unwavering endorsement of abortion rights—a stance he calls “the most racist thing” because it disproportionately affects Black lives.

Wooden contrasts this with conservative figures like Charlie Kirk, who promote family values and job creation, arguing that such leaders deserve respect rather than accusations of racism.

One of the most striking moments in the sermon is Wooden’s recounting of a former abortion clinic worker who revealed how Black girls were systematically targeted for abortion counseling, while white girls were offered alternatives such as adoption or financial support.

This, Wooden argues, exemplifies institutional racism within the abortion industry.

Throughout his sermon, Wooden returns to biblical principles, urging his listeners to “love your enemies” and to overcome evil with good.

He stresses that Christians must embody these teachings even when confronting painful or controversial truths.

His message is not merely about assigning blame but about understanding history and current realities to foster healing and change.

The bishop’s remarks have sparked intense reactions.

Some praise his courage in addressing taboo subjects, while others condemn his views as divisive or oversimplified.

Regardless of one’s stance, Wooden’s sermon forces a critical examination of slavery’s legacy, racial politics, and the ethical dimensions of abortion in America.

In conclusion, Bishop Patrick Wooden challenges us to look beyond surface narratives and confront difficult truths about race, history, and morality.

His sermon serves as a call to reflect deeply on how past injustices continue to shape present realities and how faith can guide us toward compassion and justice.