Archbishop's web site Denver Catholic Register Parishes Catholic Pastoral Center
January 17, 2001
Join the cultural revolution for life!
Perhaps more than any other single issue, the pro-life movement has been uniting Christians of all denominations for the past 50 years. Joining in prayer, providing assistance to women in crisis pregnancies and working to educate the public about the tragedy of abortion, has drawn together a wonderful group of people of boundless optimism and determination.
As America moves from the most pro-abortion administration in its history, to one that expresses support for restoring respect for human life, all people of good will must renew their dedication to taking a stand in defense of the most vulnerable members of our society.
On Jan. 20, all are invited to attend the Annual Respect Life Mass at 12:10 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Archbishop Charles Chaput will be the main celebrant of the Mass, and will be the keynote speaker at the "March for Life Rally" at 1:30 p.m. on the west steps of the State Capitol.
On Jan. 22, tens of thousands of people will take part in the "March for Life" in Washington, D.C. to mark the 28th anniversary of the Supreme Court's decisions in Roe vs. Wade and Doe vs. Bolton, which legalized abortion at any time during pregnancy.
Pro-lifers have reason to hope that the new administration will take a role in restoring respect for life in America.
Within hours of his inauguration in January, 1993, President Bill Clinton signed an executive order calling for study on RU-486, the French "abortion pill," whose importation for personal use was approved in 2000. He also signed executive orders reversing: the regulations prohibiting abortion counseling in federally funded family planning clinics; the ban on fetal tissue research; restrictions on access to abortion in U.S. military hospitals overseas; and the "Mexico City policy," which denied U.S. foreign aid to programs overseas that promote abortion.
While President-elect Bush has a much stronger pro-life position than his predecessor, many pro-lifers have been discouraged by some of his cabinet appointees. As elected officials in Colorado and in Washington, D.C., take office, it is vital for Catholics, Christians and all people of good will to speak out in defense of life.
However, it is more important that we pray and work to support women facing crisis pregnancies. We must also pray for those who have yet to come to an understanding of the sanctity of human life. If they see Christian communities continuing to unite around this issue, and the love and joy of those within the movement, they will be far more inclined to reconsider their position on the tragedy of abortion.
God bless America, and all of our elected leaders. - Peter Droege
