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BY LifeSiteNews.com 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. 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 InstituteThe 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 LeagueWe 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 http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/all-statements-from-pro-life-groups-condemning-tiller-murder/

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