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Commentary on June 1 News Reports - Hate-Mongering From Abortion Supporters Begins in Reaction to Tiller Shooting

Dear readers,

As you've already seen, the killing of abortionist George Tiller has been quickly condemned by pro-life groups throughout North America and abroad.  Our detailed coverage shows the shooter to be a crazed member of a fringe group. As we have said in the past, such a person is anti-abortion and NOT pro-life.

Predictably, pro-abortion groups and leaders, usually not remotely noted for objectivity or factual accuracy, are reacting by exploiting this murder in order to attack the pro-life movement.

Monday, for example, we received this email response to our article noting that pro-life groups were condemning Tiller's murder: "If you think your problems with Canada's hate speech laws were bad before, think again. We are going to use every lawful means at our disposal to rid our country of you fascist hate-mongers." We would seem to have grounds for launching a hate charge against that letter writer who himself appears to be exhibiting fascist sentiments.

There is not one mainstream pro-life group that we are aware of that has ever been guilty of hate and certainly there is nothing in LifeSiteNews that reflects such views. In fact, the vast majority of persons involved in the large pro-life movement are motivated by love. Militant pro-abortionists and gay activists define having a view different than theirs as being "hate". Also, they cannot comprehend how we fight the killing of innocents that is abortion (nothing can refute that biological reality) while never advocating violence or vengeance. They just do not get pro-life.

There is some good news though amidst all the bad.  The great success of the March for Life in Canada and the prayerful kudos for the Bishops who spoke out against Obama's appearance at Notre Dame are refreshing.

For life,
John-Henry Westen
Steve Jalsevac
LifeSiteNews.com

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UK, American, Canadian Pro-Life Groups Condemn Tiller Murder

By Alex Bush

 

June 1, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - In the wake of the murder of late-term abortionist George Tiller, pro-life groups from across North America and the UK have condemned the killing as “heinous,” “deplorable,” “cowardly,” “senseless,” and “unconscionable.” 

 

Abortionist Tiller was renowned for performing late-term abortions in Kansas, many of them post-viability. The abortionist only recently found himself in court facing 19 counts of performing illegal late-term abortions, but was found “not guilty” by a jury last month.  He had also survived a previous murder attempt in 1993.

 

Scott Roeder, a man with no affiliations with the mainstream pro-life movement, has been taken into custody and is expected to be charged with allegedly murdering Tiller.

 

LifeSiteNews.com has obtained statements from some 20 pro-life groups, all unanimously condemning the murder.  The statements stress that while Tiller was involved in perpetrating a great evil, all life is sacred, including the lives of abortionists. They also stress that the pro-life movement wishes to change abortion laws by legal means and not by violence. (To read all the statements, click here)

 

“Pro-lifers do not answer violence with violence,” said Stephen Borden, a Pastor in a pro-life African-American coalition, in response to the news of the Tiller slaying.

 

Dr. Alveda King, niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and a colleague of Borden, said that she “wanted to share with [Tiller] the harm [she] experienced from abortion.”  She continued, saying that she had a deep desire for Tiller to “join me in repentance.”

 

“I am deeply sorry that his life was taken before that could happen,” King said.

 

Dr. James Dobson from Focus on the Family issued a statement saying that members of the organization “categorically condemn the act of vigilantism and violence.”  Dobson said that America was built on the rule of law, and despite the verdict in Tiller’s case “he was acquitted by the court and declared ‘not guilty’ in the eyes of the law. That is our system, and we honor it.”

 

Jim Hughes, National President of Campaign Life Coalition in Canada and Vice President of International Right to Life said that not only is the murder of abortionists “seriously damaging to the pro-life cause, it is also deeply contrary to everything that is meant by the phrase pro-life.”

 

The Family Research Council issued a statement saying that they “strongly condemn the actions taken today by this vigilante killer and we pray for the Tiller family and for the nation that we might once again be a nation that values all human, both born and unborn.”

 

The UK group Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) director John Smeaton said on his blog, “SPUC has always condemned violence, whether against abortionists or unborn babies.”

 

“Those responsible [for violence against abortionists] have on each occasion acted as individuals, and not members of any pro-life group,” he continued.

 

The American Life League’s executive director Shaun Kenney said that “Leaders within the pro-life movement often discuss justice in connection with our mission to end the tragedy of abortion.  Today, Dr. George Tiller's life ended in an act defying those principles.”

 

“We firmly hope the perpetrators of this act are apprehended, that the facts be made known, and that justice according to the law is preserved and dispensed.” 

 

Brian Burch, president of CatholicVote.org, said in a statement that “We cannot create a Civilization of Love with such violence.  We call upon all people of good will to pray this week for the soul of Mr. Tiller and to pray that our society will abandon every form of hatred and violence.”

 

Burch quoted Cardinal John O’Connor, who said that killing abortionists “discredits the right-to-life movement. Murder is murder. It’s madness. You cannot prevent killing by killing.”

 

The National Right to Life Executive Director David O’Steen said that the “pro-life movement works to protect the right to life and increase respect for human life.  The unlawful use of violence is directly contrary to that goal.”

 

List of pro-life groups condemning the murder (To read all the statements, click here):

 

Society for the Protection of Unborn Children

40 Days For Life

Operation Rescue

Center for Bio Ethical Reform

American Life League

Focus on the Family

Women Influencing the Nation

Campaign Life Coalition

Kansas Coalition for Life

Life Issues Institute

Family Research Council

The Christian Anti-Defamation League

Kansas Family Policy Council

Susan B. Anthony List

Priests For Life

Kansans For Life

Stand True

National Right to Life

CatholicVote.org

Kelowna Right to Life

Real Women of BC

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Abortion Proponents “Exploit” Tiller Killing, Label Pro-Life Advocates “Domestic Terrorists”

Claim that pro-life activism is a form of "terrorism" and call for Department of Homeland Security to investigate

By Matthew Cullinan Hoffman

USA, June 1, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Defenders of legalized abortion in the Obama administration are exploiting the assassination of George Tiller, Kansas' infamous late-term abortionist, to attack the pro-life movement, according to prominent pro-life activist Jill Stanek. 

"Already we've seen the pro-abortion movement try to exploit this, which is not a surprise," Stanek told U.S. News and World Report.

"[President Obama's chief of staff] Rahm Emanuel is famous for saying, 'Never let a crisis go wasted' and already we're seeing talk of the Justice Department and [Attorney General] Eric Holder calling in forces to protect the abortion forces and clinics, and we're going to see moves to attempt to stifle free speech. It now falls to the pro-life movement to protect the First Amendment."

In the hours following the death of Tiller, pro-abortion journalists and organizations have issued statements blaming the pro-life movement on the whole for the actions of a man acquaintances say suffered from mental illness and belonged to fringe organizations rejected by the pro-life movement.

Mike Hendricks, writing for the Kansas City Star asserts that "the motive for the crime we can all surmise, given the vitriolic rhetoric aimed at Tiller these past couple of decades by anti-abortion activists. And if we’re right about that, then we know the identities of his accomplices."

"If anyone is in need of salvation now, it’s the anti-abortion movement in Kansas and across the nation. … the bullet that killed George Tiller also shattered the moral underpinnings of the movement that inspired its firing."

The National Organization for Women (NOW), a pro-abortion feminist organization, blamed the "anti-abortion" movement for the murder and called on the Department of Homeland Security to declare the movement a form of "domestic terrorism."

"Dr. Tiller's slaying is the most recent in a string of murders in the service of the anti-abortion cause, and hundreds of people have been injured or threatened because they provide legal abortion services," said NOW in a public statement on its website.

"Bringing the killers to justice is not enough - the Justice Department and the Department of Homeland Security must root out and prosecute as domestic terrorists and violent racketeers the criminal enterprise that has organized and funded criminal acts for decades."

Bonnie Erbe of U.S. News and World report announced on the magazine's website that "Tiller Murder Is Terrorism, and All Pro-Life Extremists Are to Blame." 

"Let George Tiller's murder be the last straw. It is time for America's pro-choice majority to stop standing idly by as extreme so-called pro-life advocates murder obstetrician-gynecologists (OB/GYNs) who are providing women with the legal right to terminate pregnancies," opined Erbe adding that, "I am careful to note I am referring here to EXTREMIST pro-life advocates, people who refer to abortion as 'baby-killing' and other inflammatory rhetoric."

The problem is, however, that the whole pro-life movement is based upon the premise that the unborn child is a human being with an inherent right to life. Hence, Erbe's definition of an extremist as being someone who refers to abortion as 'baby-killing'. By that definition this would encompass nearly every mainstream pro-life activist in the country and many very prominent religious, political and other leaders who accept the basic biology of unborn human life and have consequent human rights concerns, as well as a deep concern for the mothers who frequently suffer from having been forced or intimidated into aborting what they knew was their living child.

Jill Stanek notes that, in contrast to the statements by Erbe, Now, and others, "The pro-life movement is the most peaceful social justice movement in American history. There are a thousand abortion clinics and small groups of protesters outside many of them and nothing ever happens, except that some pro-lifers get run over by pro-aborts. So this is so ironic."

"There has never been a social justice movement that has been totally focused on saving human lives, as opposed to expanding voting rights or other rights, like the pro-life movement is."

Pro-life organizations nationwide issued statements today condemning the killing of Tiller, who specialized in late-term abortions in his Wichita, Kansas, clinic.

Tiller was unsuccessfully prosecuted for violating state laws against late-term abortions without the necessary legal justifications, and was under investigation by the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts for the same charges at the time of his death.

He was shot and killed on Sunday morning while fulfilling the functions of an usher at a Lutheran church in Wichita.

See related LifeSiteNews.com coverage:

Kansas Late-Term Abortionist George Tiller Shot and Killed - Pro-Life Groups React
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/may/09053101.html

U.S. Bishops Express ‘Profound Regret’ about Shooting Death of Abortion Doctor
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/jun/09060106.html

UK, American, Canadian Pro-Life Groups Condemn Tiller Murder
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/jun/09060105.html

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Recollections of a Taxi Cab Ride with Abortionist George Tiller

June 1, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Joe Scheidler, the founder of Pro-Life Action League and longtime pro-life activist, today issued a statement denouncing the slaying of Kansas late-term abortionist George Tiller. Tiller was shot dead Sunday morning as he was serving as an usher at his church.

 

In condemning the murder Scheidler also recalled a chance encounter he had with the abortionist, in which he shared a taxi-cab ride with him on the way to a pro-abortion conference.

 

“We deplore the killing of George Tiller on Sunday morning," said Scheidler.

 

"It has always been my philosophy that we convert abortionists. As activists committed to saving lives, we vigorously oppose violence."

 

Scheidler recalled how he once shared a taxi with Dr. Tiller as both were headed from the airport in New Orleans to the National Abortion Federation Convention.  Scheidler was attending in order to gather information about the pro-abortion movement.

 

"Tiller apparently recognized me, but did not recall that I was a pro-life activist. He assumed I was another abortionist attending the conference," said Scheidler. "He enthusiastically extolled the value of the ultrasound in performing abortions, and invited me to visit his clinic in Wichita."

 

The following day Scheidler attended Tiller's presentation on the use of ultrasound. By then the doctor had realized that Scheidler was a pro-life leader, and refused to proceed with his presentation until Scheidler left the room.

 

"Having sat and talked with George Tiller, I probably feel a little more connection with him than many other pro-lifers might," said Scheidler. "I am adamantly opposed to what he did for a living. But I believe that anyone can come to the truth. Tiller deserved the chance to turn away from the evil of abortion. I cannot condone the taking of his life."

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U.S. Bishops Express ‘Profound Regret’ about Shooting Death of Abortion Doctor

"Our bishops' conference and all its members have repeatedly and publicly denounced all forms of violence in our society, including abortion."

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 1, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) — Speaking on behalf of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia, chairman of the bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, expressed profound regret upon learning of the shooting death of abortion doctor George Tiller.

"Our bishops' conference and all its members have repeatedly and publicly denounced all forms of violence in our society, including abortion as well as the misguided resort to violence by anyone opposed to abortion," Cardinal Rigali said. "Such killing is the opposite of everything we stand for, and everything we want our culture to stand for: respect for the life of each and every human being from its beginning to its natural end. We pray for Dr. Tiller and his family."

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Commentary: President Obama Calls Tiller Killing a Heinous Act of Violence but Ignores Heinous Violence of Abortion

Commentary by Judie Brown

Upon learning of the tragic murder of abortionist George Tiller, about whom I have written on numerous occasions, our staff realized that I was 34,000 feet in the air. As I would have hoped, American Life League’s Executive Director, Shaun Kenney, who was on the ground, issued the following public statement on behalf of American Life League:

Leaders within the pro-life movement often discuss justice in connection with our mission to end the tragedy of abortion. Today, Dr. George Tiller's life ended in an act defying those principles.

With genuine sorrow, we reflect on today's events in prayer. Justice for all human beings includes the lives of those with whom we fundamentally disagree as well as the victims of abortion. We firmly hope the perpetrators of this act are apprehended, that the facts be made known, and that justice according to the law is preserved and dispensed.

Today's actions were tragic, and serve as another reminder that all human life is sacred. Pro-lifers by our nature and commitment to human rights reject violence as a means of resistance. Our thoughts and prayers indeed extend to the Tiller family and the community at Reformation Lutheran Church.

It is with unrestrained dedication to the principle that each human being is loved by God and is indeed His creation that our hearts go out to the Tiller family, including his surviving wife who is the mother of his four children. A senseless act of violence should never be answered with any words other than those extended with the love of Christ. For those reasons, I am personally proud of our executive director, and pray that others who have said less prudent things will take note of what it truly means to be pro-life in America.

It is not so with all of those who have made various statements regarding this senseless loss of life. Many have lost sight of the ravages that have been wrought by the culture of death and the strangle hold it has placed on our national psyche.

For example, when I listened to the words of President Barack Obama, my heart was struck with the tragic disconnect too many Americans have accepted when it comes to such tragedies in our culture. Apparently, they honestly see a difference between killing before, versus killing after, birth. The president said:

I am shocked and outraged by the murder of Dr. George Tiller as he attended church services this morning. However profound our differences as Americans over difficult issues such as abortion, they cannot be resolved by heinous acts of violence.

The president’s sentiments as expressed in this statement represent a serious disassociation between the tragic death of one man in Kansas and the equally tragic deaths of thousands of preborn children that occur on a daily basis throughout this nation. Every act of senseless killing is an outrage and should cause shock in the heart of every one of us. But this is not what I gleaned from the president’s words.

It is, in fact, so very sad that the president can treat of one type of heinous crime as an “issue” while describing an equally wicked crime in the proper terms. Such contradictory language is typical of the attitude of far too many in our nation who, after more than 36 years of decriminalized killing, have come to view the born as a completely different class of people than the preborn. Too many in America have become desensitized to what abortion does to not-yet born human beings. But at the same time, they are saddened, as they should be, by what equally horrific acts do to born persons.

Perhaps this is the perfect occasion for each of us to reexamine the culture in which we live: the attitudes we have adopted, and the opinions we have formed. Such an exercise would help us sort out this dichotomy in our language, our attitudes and our behavior.

When Pope John Paul II wrote of violence against the human person in his profound encyclical, Evangelium Vitae, he encapsulated many of the most fundamental principles that pertain to the life of every human being at every stage of his or her life:

Human life is sacred because from its beginning it involves 'the creative action of God', and it remains forever in a special relationship with the Creator, who is its sole end. God alone is the Lord of life from its beginning until its end: no one can, in any circumstance, claim for himself the right to destroy directly an innocent human being….God proclaims that He is absolute Lord of the life of man, who is formed in His image and likeness (cf. Gen 1:26-28). Human life is thus given a sacred and inviolable character, which reflects the inviolability of the Creator Himself.

The truth is that every human being’s life is sacred; every human being’s life is a gift from God; every human being belongs to God, Who is the reason that each person exists.

It is our prayer that men and women of good will can take time to reflect with honesty on the sad events that occurred Sunday in Wichita, and realize that there is not a single human being’s life that is ever disposable, whether born or preborn. Judgments in matters of life and death belong to God alone.

Today we invite our fellow Americans to come together in prayer for the Tiller family, in mourning for senseless acts of violence that occur not only through abominable acts of abortion, but through hateful words, detestable acts against the unsuspecting and dreadful acts of dehumanization against our fellow human beings.

May the peace of Christ be with the Tiller family during this time of extreme sorrow.

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"The Weekend Cleanup": The Gruesome Aftermath of Legalized Euthanasia in Belgium

By Kathleen Gilbert

LANSDOWNE, Virginia, June 1, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - As Canada and several U.S. states mull over legislation to legalize assisted suicide or euthanasia, one Belgian man has claimed that silent acceptance of euthanasia in his country has led to unspeakable routine abuse, and is warning the Western hemisphere to be on guard against the encroaching euthanasia agenda.

Lionel Roosemont told his story at the Second International Symposium on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide, held May 29-30 at the National Conference Center in Lansdown, Virginia. The conference was hosted by the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition, and co-sponsored by anti-euthanasia groups around the world.

Roosemont says he came face-to-face with the euthanasia culture in Belgium upon learning that his unborn daughter Tikvah, now 13 years old, would suffer severe disabilities related to hydrocephalus. Encouraged to abort Tikvah, Roosemont says he and his wife Renate decided to "swim against the current," and gave birth to their daughter.

Despite lacking most of her brain, the girl proved capable of movement, sight, and hearing, contrary to her doctors' dire forecasts. Though harrowed by the fight to preserve Tikvah's life from ending in abortion, said Roosemont, "it was some of the training we needed to [fight] the equally horrible monster called euthanasia." 

In 2002, Belgium passed a law allowing euthanasia as requested by a patient under "constant and unbearable physical or psychological pain" who has issued written consent. A third doctor's opinion must be sought if the illness is not terminal, and a one-month waiting period is mandatory for patients suffering from depression.

Roosemont described the prejudice Tikvah received in a society that, he says, "changed dramatically since [the] euthanasia law was adopted."

"Life is more and more losing its value," said Roosemont. "Can you understand why our daughter is never left alone in a hospital?"

In an interview with LifeSiteNews.com, Roosemont insisted that the actual practice of euthanasia in Belgium disregards the "safeguards" attached to the law. "We have a huge problem with lawlessness," he said. Roosemont claimed that the law is commonly transgressed "without there being any consequences."

Roosemont cited a 2006 report in the medical magazine Huisarts, written by Dr. Marc Cosyns - whom he called the "Kevorkian" of Belgium - stating that Cosyns had euthanized a woman suffering from dementia. Although the procedure was patently illegal - not only was the woman not terminally ill, but she was not fully lucid and had not given written consent - Cosyns was not punished. 

"The problem with us is that it's almost become a law [to disregard the safeguards]," said Roosemont.

In his speech to the conference, Roosemont showed a video interview of one of his elder daughters describing an encounter with a teacher concerning Tikvah. Upon seeing Tikvah for the first time, the teacher said that she ought to be euthanized.

"The actual words: 'She's just a euthanasia child,'" Roosemont told LSN. He said he has heard the sentiment twice. 

While the loose application of euthanasia restrictions is widely known among Belgians, said Roosemont, the true depth of abuse is little understood. One such abuse he claimed occurs routinely is the administration of lethal drugs at one Belgian hospital to elderly, seriously ill patients - known as the "weekend cleanup" - as described to him by a nurse who worked there.

"It is logical," he said. "It is very logical. We live in the time of instant coffee. What that means is that nobody wants to suffer." Most of the time, he said, elderly victims of euthanasia are not themselves suffering from great pain, but are killed at the request of family burdened with their care.

But because the subject is still taboo in Belgium, Roosemont says indifference is widespread. 

"The subject is taboo in Belgium. Main reason: the law has been voted [upon]," he said. "So many people have become accomplices of killing, or helping, at least approving, so you don't talk about that - and the moment someone starts talking about that, most people start to protect themselves."

Asked to comment on the situation in Canada, where MP Francine Lalonde recently introduced a proposal to legalize euthanasia, Roosemont said, "You will be surprised how fast this thing is coming."

"And if ... the stories that I've been hearing here [are true], there's already red [lights] flashing," he said. "The big risk, I think, is that many countries will be [facing] the same thing that happened with Roe v. Wade. Before they know it, it will be there, and then they will react. The laws will be there. That's what I think. So it's high time to do something to inform as many people as possible."

Roosemont urged anti-euthanasia activists to "tell them the stories - for instance, what happened in Belgium."

 "Be alert! Not many people know what is hanging over their heads," said Roosemont. "Don't say I didn't warn you. And please, don't run away from the responsibilities."

See related LifeSiteNews.com coverage:

MP Introduces Euthanasia Bill into Canadian Parliament
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/may/09051404.html

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Canadian National Pro-Life Organization Details Great Success of March for Life

By Steve Jalsevac

May 31, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Campaign Life Coalition in its June Newsletter reports that the 2009 National March for Life in Ottawa marking 40 years of legalized abortion in Canada was a resounding success with record-breaking attendance. The organization went on to provide many details about the various March for Life events that have not been reported in the secular media.

Despite a forecast of rain that ran all week before May 14 and a misty rain that turned into more of a downpour during the speeches on Parliament Hill and the beginning of the March, CLC confirms, as reported in LifeSiteNews on May 14, over 12,000 people took part in this year's National March for Life. The procession which took well over an hour from start to finish, witnessed to the great injustice of millions of unborn child killings facilitated by the 1969 passage of the Trudeau-led Liberal government's Omnibus Bill.

This year's crowd for the March smashed last year's record of just over 8000 with a 50% increase. "Each year's success builds the foundation for the next National March for Life," says CLC, "as schools, youth groups, and churches return from having experienced the incredible demonstration of solidarity with the unborn and are moved to encourage friends and family to join in subsequent marches."

This year, an unprecedented number of schools and church groups sent buses to Ottawa to take part in the march. Barry Mombourquette brought over 150 students from the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board. He told The Interim it is important for teachers to bring students to the National March for Life, because the students "are the ones who will make a change. They are the future lawyers, doctors, mothers, fathers, lawmakers and teachers." His students enthusiastically shared their views on abortion. A Grade 11 student from St. Thomas More in Hamilton said she came to Ottawa to provide a voice for her unborn brothers and sisters because "their cries are not being heard."

Besides those who came on hundreds of buses, including 65 schools, this year's March was joined by numerous notable dignitaries including 14 Catholic bishops. The CLC National News lists them as follows:

His Eminence Marc Cardinal Ouellet - Quebec City
His Grace Archbishop Terrence Prendergast - Ottawa
His Grace Archbishop Thomas Collins - Toronto
His Excellency Archbishop Luigi Ventura, Apostolic Nuncio to Canada
His Grace Archbishop Brendan O'Brien - Kingston
His Grace Archbishop Sutton, OMI, emeritus archbishop of Keewatin-LePas
His Excellency Bishop Paul-André Durocher - Alexandria-Cornwall
His Excellency Bishop Ronald Fabbro - London
His Excellency Bishop Jean-Louis Plouffe - Sault Ste Marie
His Excellency Bishop Michael Mulhall - Pembroke
His Excellency Bishop Stephen Victor Chmilar- Ukrainian Bishop of Toronto and Eastern Canada
His Excellency Bishop John Stephen Pazak - Byzantine Rites
Msgr Gerard Drainville, retired bishop of Amos (Quebec)
Retired Archbishop of Ottawa, the Most Reverend Marcel Gervais

In addition, two Anglican Catholic bishops joined in the March events and were invited onto the altar with all the Roman Catholic bishops during the mass at Notre Dame Cathedral before the march. The two bishops were the Rt. Rev. Peter D. Wilkinson, from Victoria, B.C., and the Rt. Rev. Carl L. Reid, of North Gower, ON.

 Quebec Cardinal Marc Ouellet gave an impassioned French-only speech on the Hill that was significantly picked up by the Quebec media. In his call to action he stated, "After forty years of exile from the culture of life, we come to Parliament Hill to claim the return of the right to life of the human being in gestation in Canada".

Toronto Archishop Thomas Collins, head of Canada's largest diocese, was also a prominent and heartily cheered first time participant in the March. In his comments on the Hill, immediately following Cardinal Oullet, Archbishop Collins emphasized the reason and compassion of the pro-life cause, stating, “The right to life is a question of justice.”

Collins stressed that the marchers have to publicly express their views on the abortion issue and that they "must engage in a public conversation." He stated, "We do this in a public place on Parliament Hill as is our right, for we are citizens..." The archbishop urged such engagement, "especially on issues of injustice, whether it be slavery, civil rights or, in this case, the protection of human life from the first moment of its existence to natural death." In that context he also mentioned the growing push for euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide.

CLC also listed the 19 Members of Parliament who were also present on Parliament Hill to greet the demonstrators (many of the MPs addressed the audience of thousands):

Harold Albrecht, Kelly Block, Garry Breitkreuz, Rod Bruinooge, John Cummins, Dean Del Mastro, Guy Lauzon, Pierre Lemieux, Colin Mayes, Dan McTeague, Levar Payne,  Andrew Sheer, Paul Szabo, Brad Trost, Maurice Vellacott, Chris Warkentin , Jeff Watson, Stephen Woodworth.

MP Rod Bruinooge (Cons., Winnipeg South) alluded to the weather when he said, "The storm is here," before adding that the real storm was the 12,000 people on the front lawn of Parliament. "We will not go away. We need to be listened to."

Former MP Pat O'Brien told the crowd, "The March for Life is the most important rally on Parliament Hill every year."

The theme of all the MPs' presentations was the need to keep up the fight against abortion and to not relent until the law is changed. 
 
Other dignitaries that addressed the throng included Carl Anderson, Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus; former MPs Pat O'Brien and Tom Wappel - who serve as the political and legal counsel to CLC respectively - and Lia Mills, a 12-year-old whose school speech became an internationally famous five-minute internet video presentation that provides an articulate, reasoned, point-by-point argument against abortion. Other than young Lia Mills who addressed abortion directly, the speakers generally rallied the crowd to continue giving voice to the unborn and to remain vigilant in their defense of life in all spheres.

Organizers of the National March for Life said they were thrilled with the turnout.

The rains, the first time this has occurred during the March, didn't dampen the spirits of those in the crowd, who were louder and more enthusiastic than ever before.

More than half of those in attendance were youth - high school and university students - many who were proud to display their school banners or pro-life signs reports Campaign Life Coalition. Many wore pro-life t-shirts, signaling their deep commitment to the cause. Jim Hughes, the National President of CLC, said that "the growing number of young people" is a "tremendous blessing" to both the March and to the movement. "This is going to make a difference."

CLC also states it is extremely gratified that the March had the support of the nation's Catholic bishops. The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops threw its official support behind the event, as the 13 Bishops, Archbishops and Cardinals concelebrated various Masses and several Bishops took part in the actual procession through the streets of the nation's capital. 

Before the National March for Life, there was plenty of opportunity for spiritual nourishment. There was a Canadian Reformed Church and ecumenical prayer service as well as Catholic simultaneous masses at Notre Dame Cathedral and St. Patrick's Basilica that were filled to capacity. The evening before, there was a Mass at St. Theresa's Church preceding the candlelight vigil at the Human Rights Monument. In the bus trips organized by schools, youth groups and churches, many travelers took the opportunity to pray during the journey to Ottawa.

Approximately 500 people took part in the candlelight vigil the evening before the March, holding candles, listening to guest speakers including student activists, the Sisters for Life and the Sister Servants of the Cross (a new community of Sisters in Ottawa). They prayed and sang hymns. It was seen as a powerful reminder that abortion is the human rights issue facing our nation.

After the March, there was musical entertainment by David MacDonald, a veteran pro-life activist and an annual staple of the National March for Life accompanied this year by Kathleen Dunn from Ancaster. McDonald's band invited students to join them on stage and they danced and sang as a testament to the joyful nature of doing the Lord's work. "The issue of abortion may be a grave one", writes CLC in its newletter, "but we need not be in the doldrums fighting it."

After the music, a number of men and women gave powerful and moving personal testimonies as part of the Silent No More Awareness Campaign. The size of the crowd that stayed behind after the March to listen to these testimonies was at least 3-4,000 - by far the largest ever. Many in the crowd were seen wiping tears from their eyes while listening to these heart wrenching personal stories. After that there was a Prayer Service led by Eastern Catholic Chaplaincy of Ottawa. At least 500 people stayed for this impressive Eastern rite ceremony and prayers.

In the evening, the Rose Dinner was said to be a huge and successful event, with the 1100 seats sold out long in advance. Featured speakers were Tom Wappel, former Member of Parliament, as well as Carl Anderson, the Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus. Both speakers left the crowd aware of their duty to stand up both politically and in their everyday lives for a just nation where all life is protected.

Organizers are planning for the 2010 National March for Life. CLC exects next year could be bigger and better than this year's event, but every March builds upon the previous ones. The organizers are encouraging pro-life Canadians to begin now to make your plans to join the 13th annual National March for Life in Ottawa next year (May 12-14). 

Over 800 people attended the Youth Conference the day after the March. They heard presentations from numerous speakers, including LifeSiteNews Editor-in-Chief, John-Henry Westen. The packed conference centre at the Hampton Inn featured multi-media presentations which provided excellent opportunities to educate future pro-life activists and leaders. The feedback from students and teachers is reported to have been overwhelmingly positive.

(Article compiled with files from June CLC National News, the June Interim newspaper and LifeSiteNews reports)

See Previous LifeSiteNews reports on the 2009 March for Life

Ontario Knights of Columbus Throw Full Support Behind March for Life - Will Subsidize Bus Trips
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/may/09051909.html

Thousands More, 12 Bishops, and 18 Politicians Join in Regional Marches for Life Across Canada
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/may/09051911.html

Toronto CWL Convention Rallies behind the Pro-Life Cause, March For Life
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/may/09052107.html

Cardinal Ouellet at Ottawa March for Life: Canada "is at the Lowest Rung of the Ladder"
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/may/09052109.html

12-Year-Old Pro-Life Prodigy Gives Moving Speech at Canadian March for Life
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/may/09052210.html

CBC "Engaged in Blatant Media Censorship" Says CLC about Lack of National Coverage for March for Life
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/may/09052508.html

Canadian Evangelical Leadership Looking to Increase March For Life Attendance
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/may/09052608.html

Largest Canadian Paper: No Coverage of March for Life but Detailed Reports on Jailed US Abortionist Shooter
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/may/09052709.html 

Hamilton "Culture of Life" Committee Breaks Ground in High School Pro-Life Education
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/may/09052808.html

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U.S. Court Rejects Appeal of Valedictorian Forced to Apologize for Expressing Faith in Christ

By Patrick Craine

 

June 1, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - On Friday, the U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the claim of a high school graduate who was penalized by her school after delivering a valedictory address at her 2006 graduation in which she expressed her faith in Christ.

 

Represented by Liberty Counsel, Erica Corder initially sued the Lewis-Palmer School District in August 2007, but the case was thrown out by a federal judge last year.  The Court of Appeals heard Corder's case in March.

 

Corder was one of 15 valedictorians to give a 30-second speech at the Lewis-Palmer High School graduation.  The principal, Mark Brewer, had each speaker present their address to him in advance for approval; but at the graduation Corder opted to give a different speech.

 

"We are all capable of standing firm and expressing our own beliefs," she said in her address, "which is why I need to tell you about someone who loves you more than you could ever imagine.  He died for you on a cross over 2,000 years ago, yet was resurrected and is living today in heaven. His name is Jesus Christ. If you don’t already know Him personally I encourage you to find out more about the sacrifice He made for you so that you now have the opportunity to live in eternity with Him" (the full text of Corder's speech is available on page 3-4 of the Court decision).

 

Following her speech, the principal withheld Corder's diploma until she issued a written apology.

 

In her suit, Corder asserted that her First Amendment rights to free speech and freedom of religion had been violated, as well as her Fourteenth Amendment right to equal protection.  She contested the principal's decision to review the speeches in advance, which is not called for in the District's written policy on ‘student expression.’

 

The Court affirmed, however, the principal's right to review valedictorian speeches in advance because they deemed such speeches to be school-sponsored.  The Court stated that, "A School District is entitled to review the content of speeches in an effort to preserve neutrality on matters of controversy within a school environment.”

 

As such, the Court said, the school did not violate Corder’s right to free speech. 

 

The Court also decided that the school had not violated Corder’s right to freedom of religion, arguing that she had not been penalized for her religious views, but rather for violating school policy in delivering a speech different than the one approved by the principal.

 

 

See related LifeSiteNews.com coverage:

 

Valedictorian Threatened with Loss of Diploma over Religious Graduation Message Sues School

http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2007/aug/07082701.html

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Bishops Who Opposed Notre Dame’s Obama Honor Receive More Than 700,000 Prayers in Thanks

June 1, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Beginning the weekend of May 31, which is celebrated by Catholics as Pentecost Sunday, the 83 U.S. Catholic bishops who publicly opposed the University of Notre Dame’s commencement honor for President Obama started to receive "spiritual bouquets," consisting of hundreds of thousands of pledges by grateful Catholics to offer prayers for the bishops. The prayers, primarily from people who signed The Cardinal Newman Society’s petition opposing the Notre Dame scandal, were offered in thanksgiving for the bishops’ inspiring witness to the importance of Catholic identity.

 

The request for the prayers was made by The Cardinal Newman Society on the Catholic feast of Ascension Thursday, May 21, and were sent to the bishops on Friday, May 29, in advance of Pentecost Sunday.

 

Each of the 83 bishops were sent a Spiritual Bouquet certificate which reads:

 

“On behalf of the members and staff of The Cardinal Newman Society and the more than 367,000 faithful who signed the petition at NotreDameScandal.com, this spiritual bouquet is made on the twenty-ninth day of May Anno Domini Nostri Jesu Christi two thousand and nine in grateful appreciation to the Church’s shepherds who prayerfully provided witness for a strong Catholic identity on Catholic campuses.”

 

A copy of the Spiritual Bouquet Certificate sent to the bishops may be viewed by clicking here.  A list of the 83 bishops may be viewed here.

 

The overwhelming prayer response in the spiritual bouquet includes:

 

Mass Intentions: 116,741                      

Divine Mercy Chaplets: 74,974          

Aspirations: 57,728

General Prayers: 236,615                      

Eucharistic Holy Hour: 37,125          

Holy Rosaries: 146,944

Novenas: 19,877                                   

Days of Fasting: 28,862

 

In addition to these prayers, Catholic priests offered 3,272 Holy Sacrifices of the Mass for the bishops.

 

“Our bishops deserve our support and prayers for their defense of Catholic identity, and as the battle for the soul of Catholic campuses continues, the bishops will need them more than ever,” said Patrick J. Reilly, president of The Cardinal Newman Society.

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All Statements from Pro Life Groups Condemning Tiller Murder

40 Days for Life:

"As a nationwide organization dedicated to peaceful and prayerful solutions to the crisis of abortion, 40 Days for Life is shocked and dismayed by the shooting death of Kansas abortion provider George Tiller. Such violence against a fellow human being is never justified, and 40 Days for Life condemns this senseless act. We encourage people of faith to join in prayer for all those affected by this unconscionable action."


American Life League, Shaun Kenny, executive director:

"Leaders within the pro-life movement often discuss justice in connection with our mission to end the tragedy of abortion. Today, Dr. George Tiller's life ended in an act defying those principles.

With genuine sorrow, we reflect on today's events in prayer. Justice for all human beings includes the lives of those with whom we fundamentally disagree as well as the victims of abortion. We firmly hope the perpetrators of this act are apprehended, that the facts be made known, and that justice according to the law is preserved and dispensed.

Today's actions were tragic, and serve as another reminder that all human life is sacred. Pro-lifers by our nature and commitment to human rights reject violence as a means of resistance. Our thoughts and prayers indeed extend to the Tiller family and the community at Reformation Lutheran Church.


Campaign Life Coalition:

We learned yesterday that Wichita abortionist, George Tiller was shot to death. George Tiller was known for decades as one of the few abortionists who killed late term babies in utero. Women, whose babies were beyond 24 weeks gestation, were sent to his abortuary from Quebec in 2004, even though such late-term abortions were not illegal in Quebec but few abortionist in Canada were willing to commit them.

Jim Hughes, National President of Campaign Life Coalition (CLC) and Vice-president of International Right to Life, reacted to the shooting death with dismay. "Not only is this sort of violence seriously damaging to the pro-life cause, it is also deeply contrary to everything that is meant by the phrase pro-life. Those of us in the pro-life movement do not want to see abortionists die, we want to see them stop their killing. May God have mercy on his soul," he said.

Mr. Hughes speculated that this disturbed person may have been personally affected by abortion and was seeking revenge against Tiller. This has often been the case in the past where violent action is connected to the loss of an aborted child or grandchild.

We encourage people who have suffered the loss of a loved one by abortion to seek help from Silent No More or a professional counsellor."


CatholicVote.org:

"We condemn the violent murder of George Tiller and hope that his killer will be brought to justice for this heinous crime. We cannot create a Civilization of Love with such violence. We call upon all people of good will to pray this week for the soul of Mr. Tiller and to pray that our society will abandon every form of hatred and violence," said Brian Burch, President of CatholicVote.org.

"This senseless act of violence represents the utter antithesis of a people of life. The tens of millions of Americans who peacefully pray and work every day for the protection of all human life are rightfully grieved by this news," continued Burch.

Burch said: "As the late Cardinal John O'Connor said, 'If anyone has an urge to kill someone at an abortion clinic, they should shoot me. ... It's madness. It discredits the right-to-life movement. Murder is murder. It's madness. You cannot prevent killing by killing.'"


Campaign Life Coalition BC:

Campaign Life Coalition BC is saddened by the news that well known late term abortionist George Tiller has been killed in Wichita Kansas.

Our organization works through all peaceful means to increase the respect for life. We extend our condolences to the Tiller family and we pray for the repose of his soul.

We also hope the authorities quickly bring to justice the person or persons responsible for this crime.

Campaign Life Coalition British Columbia condemns all forms of abortion-related violence and will not collaborate with groups or individuals who fail to condemn such violence. We will continue to advocate on behalf of unborn children, the elderly, the infirm and disabled.


Center for Bio Ethical Reform, Mark Harrington:

"Tiller was a killer, but that never justifies vigilantly justice. Tiller was the most notorious abortionist in America , but that should never condone taking justice into one's own hands. Tiller was an evil man who is responsible for the deaths of thousands of innocent per-born babies, many of them late-term, but that doesn't give anyone the right to become judge, jury, and executioner. When abortion is made unlawful again, Tiller deserved his day in court. Now, he will not get that opportunity. CBR grieves for the Tiller family. We ask that all Americans join us in praying for them.

However, this is also a teachable moment to remind Americans that the pro-life movement is committed to peaceful social action. In fact, we are the most peaceful social justice movement in American history. Historically, every act of violence against abortionists and abortion facilities has been perpetrated by individuals acting alone and not in concert with any pro-life organization. The pro-life movement's peaceful record is virtually impeccable and can be put up against any other social reform movement in American history (civil rights, anti-Vietnam war, etc).

Those in the Obama Administration and proponents of abortion have and will attempt to blame this tragic event on peaceful law abiding pro-lifers. We will not permit this. We will not be painted with the broad brush of violence for the act of one individual. We will never be intimidated into becoming silent as babies are dying. We will not surrender our most important weapons - our position that abortion is murder, and the use of truthful images of aborted babies.

Despite this tragedy, we continue to have the moral high ground."


The Christian Anti-Defamation Commission:

"The Christian Anti- Defamation Commission will not allow pro- abortionists or their accomplices in the media to exploit the cowardly act of one misguided individual in order to defame millions of peaceful pro-lifers," said Dr. Gary Cass of the Christian Anti-Defamation Commission. "Day and night millions of peaceful pro- lifers sacrificially serve women and their unborn babies. We will not tolerate any attempt to exploit this terrible event in order to further restrict pro-life activities or silence pro-life speech or reverse the gains pro-lifers have achieved in the law."

"Tiller's death at the hands of a lawless vigilante must be unequivocally condemned. But we cannot allow pro-abortion activists and politicians to use this tragedy to manipulate public opinion or our laws."


Family Research Council - Tony Perkins, President:

"We are stunned at today's news. As Christians we pray and look toward the end of all violence and for the saving of souls, not the taking of human life. George Tiller was a man who we publicly sought to stop through legal and peaceful means. We strongly condemn the actions taken today by this vigilante killer and we pray for the Tiller family and for the nation that we might once again be a nation that values all human, both born and unborn."


Bishop Michael O. Jackels:

"The Catholic community extends sympathy to the family of Dr. George Tiller, a victim of violent crime made even more heinous, if that is possible, by being committed in a church as he was preparing for worship.

Many Catholics have over the years engaged in peaceful protest outside of Dr. Tiller's clinic, praying for an end to abortion, and especially late-term abortions; I have on occasion joined them for this purpose. This position and hope cannot however serve as a justification for committing other sins and crimes, like the willful destruction of property and, even worse, murder.

It is my prayer that the Tiller family find consolation, that Dr. George Tiller find mercy and the fulfillment of the great hope of Christians, and that all will find peaceful and legal means to resolve differences."


Kansans For Life, Mary Kay Culp:

"Kansans for Life deplores the murder of Dr. George Tiller, and we wish to express our deep and sincere sympathy to his family and friends.

Our organization has a board of directors, and a 35 year history of bringing citizens together to achieve thoughtful education and legislation on the life issues here in Kansas.

We value life, completely deplore violence, and are shocked and very upset by what happened in Wichita today."


Kansas Coalition for Life:

"The Kansas Coalition for Life Unequivocally Condemns the Shooting of Abortionist George Tiller.

Although at the time of this writing, it is not known who killed Abortionist Tiller, we do know for certain that this crime was NOT the work of any true proLife person. A true proLife person respects human life as a gift from God, and leaves all life and death decisions to God Himself.

This killing -- if it is in any way connected to a genuine proLife group, has the potential to set back the proLife movement by 20 years or more.

The Kansas Coalition for Life asks all reporters and commentators to make a clear distinction between lawless thugs who act on their own accord, and the good proLife people who obey the law, seeking a change in abortion laws via peaceful means and the legislative process.

It is completely misleading, for the media to imply, in any way that this is the work of the Pro-Life movement. We urge the media to report responsibly and truthfully in this regard.

KCFL would have much preferred that Abortionist Tiller follow the footsteps of Dr. Bernard Nathanson, a former abortionist who is now one of America's most prominent and effective proLife leaders.

In 1993 Shelly Shannon, who had no connection whatsoever to any proLife organization, brought shame on all proLife groups by her stupid action, when she attempted to kill abortionist Tiller as he entered his abortion facility on East Kellogg Drive at Bleckley Street in Wichita.

Tiller's death comes at a time when all recent polling data shows that the peaceful proLife message has the support of a majority of American voters. We hope this terrible news does not hurt the steady progress that the proLife movement has made by peaceful legal means over the years."


Kansas Family Policy Council:

The Kansas Family Policy is grieved and shocked at the murder of George Tiller. Violence is never condoned by KFPC or any pro-life organization. We grieve not only for George Tiller but for all those who have prayed for him over the years. Our prayers are with his family and his church.


Kansas NOW:

"The Kansas National Organization for Women is deeply saddened at the cowardly act of violence committed against Dr. George Tiller, a champion for women's reproductive freedom -- an act that ultimately took his life.

Dr. Tiller, although previously surviving many acts of terrorism and violence directed at him and his clinic, did not allow it to stop him from standing up for the rights of all women.

Kansas NOW grieves not only the loss of Dr. Tiller, but also the loss that all women needing access to safe abortion have suffered due to this act of violence.

Kansas NOW is keeping Dr. Tiller's family and staff in our thoughts during this difficult time."


Dr. Alveda King, Pastor Stephen Borden:

Dr. Alveda King, Pastoral Associate of Priests for Life and niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., said today that the killing of late-term abortionist George Tiller brings tremendous sorrow.

"Two years ago, I visited George Tiller's clinic in hope of telling him that babies desire mercy," said Dr. King. "I wanted to share with him the harm I experienced from abortion. My prayer was that one day he would join me in repentance. I am deeply sorry that his life was taken before that could happen."

"It's especially horrifying that Dr. Tiller was shot in church," added Dr. King. "My grandmother, Alberta King, was killed by a Christian-hating gunman as she played the organ during Sunday services. Just as the womb should be a safe haven, so should church. I condemn this murder in the strongest possible terms."

A colleague of Dr. King's in a pro-life African-American coalition, Pastor Stephen Broden, also declared, "Pro-lifers are devastated by the Tiller killing. In the great tradition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we pray, march, and counsel peacefully. Just as earlier civil rights workers, pro-lifers do not answer violence with violence."


Phill Kline:

"I am stunned by this lawless and violent act which must be condemned and should be met with the full force of law. We join in lifting prayer that God's grace and presence rest with Dr. Tiller's family and friends."


Life Issues Institute

Life Issues Institute emphatically condemns this violent act of killing. Bradley Mattes, Executive Director, said, "Not only is murder a direct contradiction to the philosophy and mission of the pro-life movement, it works to make our efforts of protecting unborn babies and their mothers from abortion that much harder."

Mr. Mattes is the host of Facing Life Head-On, a weekly half-hour TV program on life issues, sponsored by Life Issues Institute. He and a film crew had recently been in Wichita, interviewing and filming for an upcoming episode on Mr. Tiller. "While there we were struck by the violence perpetuated on preborn children and their mothers, by this abortionist" Mattes said. "This added act of violence is another tragic chapter in the ongoing controversy over abortion, and it's not the answer to ending the violence inside abortion facilities."

Life Issues Institute encourages the media, politicians and the general public to not paint the peaceful pro-life movement with a broad brush of radical behavior. J. C. Willke, MD, President of Life Issues Institute, said, "What happened to Mr. Tiller is tragic and wrong. We must remember that violence inside or outside of abortion facilities is never the answer. We will continue to work peacefully and within the law to end the killing of unborn babies."


The National Right to Life Committee (NRLC):

The National Right to Life Committee (NRLC), the nation's largest pro-life group, today condemned the killing of Dr. George Tiller. The following statement may be attributed to NRLC Executive Director, David N. O'Steen, Ph.D.:

National Right to Life extends its sympathies to Dr. Tiller's family over this loss of life.

Further, the National Right to Life Committee unequivocally condemns any such acts of violence regardless of motivation. The pro-life movement works to protect the right to life and increase respect for human life. The unlawful use of violence is directly contrary to that goal.

The National Right to Life Committee has always been involved in peaceful, legal activities to protect human lives threatened by abortion, infanticide and euthanasia. We always have and will continue to oppose any form of violence to fight the violence of abortion. NRLC has had a policy of forbidding violence or illegal activity by its staff, directors, officers, affiliated state organizations and chapters. NRLC's sole purpose is to protect innocent human life.

NRLC will continue to work through educational and legislative activities to ensure the right to life for unborn children, people with disabilities and older people. NRLC will continue to work for peaceful solutions to aid pregnant women and their unborn children. These solutions involve helping women and their children and do not involve violence against anyone.


Society for the Protection of Unborn Children:

"SPUC has condemned the shooting in Kansas, USA of George Tiller, a prominent abortion provider.

Although the motivation behind the killing of Dr Tiller has yet to be established, SPUC, in common with other pro-life groups, condemns his killing as a crime against life. SPUC has always condemned violence, whether against abortionists or unborn babies. Acts of violence towards the staff of abortion facilities are isolated. Those responsible have on each occasion acted as individuals, and not members of any pro-life group.

Our sympathy goes out to Dr Tiller's family."


Operation Rescue:

"We are shocked at this morning's disturbing news that Mr. Tiller was gunned down. Operation Rescue has worked for years through peaceful, legal means, and through the proper channels to see him brought to justice. We denounce vigilantism and the cowardly act that took place this morning. We pray for Mr. Tiller's family that they will find comfort and healing that can only be found in Jesus Christ."


Priests For Life, Fr Frank Pavone:

"I am saddened to hear of the killing of George Tiller this morning. At this point, we do not know the motives of this act, or who is behind it, whether an angry post-abortive man or woman, or a misguided activist, or an enemy within the abortion industry, or a political enemy frustrated with the way Tiller has escaped prosecution. We should not jump to conclusions or rush to judgment.

"But whatever the motives, we at Priests for Life continue to insist on a culture in which violence is never seen as the solution to any problem. Every life has to be protected, without regard to their age or views or actions."


Population Research Institute

The Population Research Institute (PRI), a pro-life group based in Front Royal, VA, has expressed public sorrow and strong condemnation at the shooting of prominent abortion provider George Tiller.

"As members of the pro-life movement," said PRI president, Steven Mosher, "we decry murder in all its forms, and we firmly believe that every life is to be protected. The murder of Mr. Tiller, especially in a house of worship, violates the fundamental principle of our movement: that every human life is sacred."

"We extend our condolences to Mr. Tiller's family, and pray that he rest in peace."


Society for the Protection of Unborn Children:

"SPUC has condemned the shooting in Kansas, USA of George Tiller, a prominent abortion provider.

Although the motivation behind the killing of Dr Tiller has yet to be established, SPUC, in common with other pro-life groups, condemns his killing as a crime against life. SPUC has always condemned violence, whether against abortionists or unborn babies. Acts of violence towards the staff of abortion facilities are isolated. Those responsible have on each occasion acted as individuals, and not members of any pro-life group.

Our sympathy goes out to Dr Tiller's family."


Stand True:

Stand True denounces the murder of abortionist George Tiller this morning in Wichita, KS. "We cannot kill people in the name of pro- life." said Bryan Kemper, President of Stand True. "Answering the violence of abortion with more violence will not serve the babies or help the pro-life movement in any way."

While Stand True is committed to ending the killing of innocent children through abortion, we are committed to non-violent, peaceful action. The pro-life movement cannot take the law into their own hands and turn to vigilantly justice.

We are praying for the family of George Tiller and those in his church while he was shot. We know that healing can come through Jesus and pray those involved in the abortion industry will turn to Christ.


Susan B. Anthony List:

Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannenfelser offered the following statement in response to the death of abortionist George Tiller from an unidentified gunman today:

"The Susan B. Anthony List condemns this anti-life act in the strongest of terms. The heart of the pro-life movement is one founded in love. Without this driving powerful center no justice can possibly be achieved. Authentic progress in women's rights has always encompassed the protection of human rights of every person across the board. The rights of one human being can never be honored by diminishing or ignoring the rights of another. This week as we gather for our annual June Tea event, themed Love Lets Live, we will lift up George Tiller's loved ones in prayer."


Pro-Life Action League

We deplore the killing of George Tiller on Sunday morning," said Scheidler.

"It has always been my philosophy that we convert abortionists. As activists committed to saving lives, we vigorously oppose violence."

Scheidler recalled how he once shared a taxi with Dr. Tiller as both were headed from the airport in New Orleans to the National Abortion Federation Convention. Scheidler was attending in order to gather information about the pro-abortion movement.

"Tiller apparently recognized me, but did not recall that I was a pro-life activist. He assumed I was another abortionist attending the conference," said Scheidler. "He enthusiastically extolled the value of the ultrasound in performing abortions, and invited me to visit his clinic in Wichita."

The following day Scheidler attended Tiller's presentation on the use of ultrasound. By then the doctor had realized that Scheidler was a pro-life leader, and refused to proceed with his presentation until Scheidler left the room.

"Having sat and talked with George Tiller, I probably feel a little more connection with him than many other pro-lifers might," said Scheidler. "I am adamantly opposed to what he did for a living. But I believe that anyone can come to the truth. Tiller deserved the chance to turn away from the evil of abortion. I cannot condone the taking of his life."


USCCB:

Speaking on behalf of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia, chairman of the bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities, expressed profound regret upon learning of the shooting death of abortion doctor George Tiller.

"Our bishops' conference and all its members have repeatedly and publicly denounced all forms of violence in our society, including abortion as well as the misguided resort to violence by anyone opposed to abortion," Cardinal Rigali said. "Such killing is the opposite of everything we stand for, and everything we want our culture to stand for: respect for the life of each and every human being from its beginning to its natural end. We pray for Dr. Tiller and his family."


Women Influencing the Nation:

"Women Influencing the Nation condemns all form of murder. The murder of George Tiller is in direct contradiction with the beliefs and morals embraced by those of us who believe that every life is precious in the eyes of God and no individual has the right to take the life of another. We encourage everyone to pray for the repose of Dr. Tiller's soul." ----Jenn Giroux

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Prominent Theologians Defend Christopher West and Theology of the Body

By Alex Bush

June 1, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The debate that was sparked by an interview on ABC’s Nightline with Christopher West has grown into a rare, and fascinating instance in which a point of Catholic theology that has not been completely defined is being hashed out in public by the Church’s top minds. The issue at stake is West’s interpretation of the “Theology of the Body” of John Paul II – a Catholic take on sexual theology developed by the late pope in a series of talks during his weekly Wednesday audiences between 1979 and 1984.

LifeSiteNews.com reported last week that Dr. David Schindler from the John Paul II Institute, the institution where West received his Masters degree, publicly criticized the man who is perhaps the world’s most well-known proponent of the pope’s novel work on sexuality. Schindler criticized West not only for what he deemed to be an inappropriate use of language in discussing delicate sexual matters, but also for his take on other theological questions involved in the Theology of the Body. 

A number of West's ideas and choices of language, wrote Schindler, are "vulgar and in bad taste, not to mention sometimes bordering on the just plain silly" and "indicate a disordered approach to human sexuality."

Now, however, in response to Schindler’s criticisms, two other renowned theologians have come to the defense of the West.

Dr. Janet Smith from Sacred Heart Major Seminary, a highly respected theologian in Catholic circles, has written that Schindler’s problems with West do not “correspond” with what she has “read in West’s work or heard in his lectures.”

Smith, in response to Schindler’s concern about the lack of an appropriate modesty in West’s language, said that most of West’s audience is “sexually wounded and confused” and “have been shaped by our promiscuous and licentious culture.”

“People need to think long and hard about the appropriate pedagogy for that group,” she said. “As West himself knows, his approach is not for everyone. An analogy that pushes the envelope may be ‘offensive’ to one person and may be just the hook that draws another person in.  West has adopted a style that appeals to a large segment of that population - and even to some who are ‘pure and innocent.’”

“It is not hard,” she continued, “to find hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals who will testify that they have come to love Christ and his Church, and better understand and live the Church’s teaching about sex because of the work of Christopher West.” 

Another prominent academic, Dr. Michael Waldstein, who was a translator for John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body,” said that he “was surprised and taken aback by [Schindler’s] recent blanket negative statement about Christopher West in reaction to West's Nightline interview.”

“West's work is uncompromisingly in line with the Church's faith,” Waldstein said.

On the other hand, Fr. Jose Granados, also a professor at the John Paul II Institute, where West obtained his degree, has recently joined Schindler in criticizing his institution’s former pupil, saying, “We cannot respond [to the sexual revolution] with a different kind of pansexualism, with a sort of ‘Catholic sexual revolution,’ which in the end promotes a similar obsession with sex, even if ‘holy.’ ”

To all appearances, however, the discussion about West’s work, and the best interpretation of John Paul II’s contribution to Catholic theology, is only just beginning.

Related LifeSiteNews.com Coverage:

Christopher West Controversy Fuels Debate about the Problem of Modesty
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/may/09052510.html

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