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Heartland Church Apologizes: Says Heartland is "Unequivocally Pro-Life," Affirms Lifechain

By Kathleen Gilbert

ROCKFORD, IL, October 9, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The leaders of Heartland Christian Church have issued a letter of apology to Rockford Life Chain after a Heartland employee demanded Life Chain participants to leave the church's vicinity, saying that the church "does not support your message."

"The leadership of Heartland Community apologizes to the Rockford Life Chain and the participants of last weekend's Lifechain event," states the letter.  "We offer our apology to those who were offended by our actions and ask their forgiveness.

"We have no disagreement with Lifechain on the sanctity of human life," said the Rockford, IL Christian church.  "Heartland is unequivocally pro-life."  The letter is signed by directional leader Mark Bankord, lead pastor Doug Thiesen, and the elders of Heartland Community Church.

The letter states that on Sunday October 5th, the day of the Life Chain, Heartland had intended only to ask the pro-life Lifechain members to move their cars from the church's parking lot. Heartland says the church's security personnel "acted on incomplete information" in also asking the pro-lifers to leave the area. 

The pro-lifers complied with the request to move their vehicles, but Heartland employee Walter Scott demanded that Life Chain leave the side of the road near Heartland Church (http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/oct/08100708.html). 

"The pro-lifers explained they were simply praying for one hour for the lives of God's children in danger," said Kevin Rilott, a Life Chain coordinator.  Scott responded that Heartland "does not support your message," and continued to insist that the pro-lifers leave, despite the fact that they were standing on public property.  Mr. Scott "also had had some unkind remarks about 'abortion protesters,'" said Rilott.

Some pro-life advocates left the area, unaware that Mr. Scott's accusations of trespassing were false. 

"We failed in our internal communication ... and we are sorry for any offense that was felt by those Lifechain participants," wrote Heartland, who disavowed Scott's representation of the church's beliefs.  "We affirm Rockford Lifechain and those who participate in it. 

"In the past they have stood in front of our building, and they will be welcomed to stand there in the future."

Kevin Rilott responded to Heartland's statement with gratitude.  "Every person involved with the Rockford Lifechain is extremely pleased with the response of Heartland," he said. 

"We know it will take the entire Christian community in our country to end the killing of children, and a vibrant Church like Heartland taking a stand for God's children facing death could save a lot of lives and souls."

To contact Heartland Community Church:
1280 S. Alpine Rd.
Rockford, IL
61108, USAPhone: (815)395-8000
E-mail: info@heartland.cc

See related LifeSiteNews.com coverage:

Heartland Christian Church Demands Peaceful Pro-Life LifeChain Participants Leave
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/oct/08100708.html

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