LEAWOOD, Kan. – The Resurrection United Methodist Church in Leawood, Kansas, hosted an event on abortion and faith.

It was a packed house, which heard both sides of the abortion issue.

About 683 people were present to get more information before polling day.

The panelists were all women, including a judge, medical professionals and a former state legislator. Church staff say they all attend the congregation.

Representatives from Planned Parenthood and Kansans For Life were also represented via five-minute video interviews.

The presentation lasted just under three hours.

“We’re hearing a lot of noise,” said Cathy Bien, of Resurrection United Methodist Church in Leawood. “It’s all ages. It’s young families, it’s old people, it’s everyone. It is something that affects us all.

Chris Waley, who attended the event, said while the event may have been controversial, it was a good education opportunity for the community.

“It’s certainly bold for them to do this, but it’s helpful for the community,” Waley said.

Well said the goal is to bring people together for education and not take sides.

“People ask, ‘Well, what does the church say?’ And that’s a very complicated question,” she said.

Pastor Adam Hamilton said the topic of abortion is one that often divides people, but hopes City Hall can change that.

“It’s such a difficult topic, Americans have been divided for fifty years,” Hamilton said.

Katy, who is a host at the church, said she hoped bringing different voices to the issue could help people find common ground.

“I hope people will feel welcome to understand that this is not a one-sided conversation, we have people here from all walks of life and we want to find common ground,” he said. she declared.

The town hall welcomed participants of all ages.

Mona Whaley told her it was her 14-year-old daughter’s idea to attend the event.

“Our 14 year old daughter is with us too, she was interested in hearing it,” Whaley said. “It was his idea.”

While education was plentiful, instruction was not.

“We know not everyone will agree, and that’s okay,” Bien said.

Many people show up to vote.

The Johnson County Clerk reported that 23,000 more people registered to vote in this election than in 2020.

The Kansas secretary of state said 110,000 advance ballots had been returned.

Additionally, 114,611 advance ballots were mailed, 38,070 advance ballots were returned and there were 71,474 advance ballots in person.

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