LUTHERANS TO VOTE ON PRO-LIFE ACTIVITY

TORONTO, June 10, 2002 (LSN.ca) – Lutherans from across Canada have convened to debate taking a more active role in the pro-life movement. Representatives of the church’s 80,000 members will vote next Saturday on whether to establish a national right-to-life organization.  “There’s growing concern among Lutherans across the country about … embryonic stem cell research, abortion and cloning,” Leonard Harms, a spokesman for Lutheran social ministries, told Canadian Press. James Lamb, another spokesman, wants Lutheran right-to-life organizations modelled on the U.S. example. “It is fundamental to our faith that life in every shape and form has value far beyond utilitarianism,” said Lamb, who expects the proposal to pass.  But Sandra Brown, of the Lutheran Women’s Caucus in Philadelphia, claims there is “a 50-50 split among Lutherans who are pro-choice and pro-life.” She added: “For that reason I think it’s really scary when a national church body endorses one side. Many of us believe in the right of women to have a say over their own bodies and support embryonic stem cell research as a way to save life.”  To read Canadian Press coverage (link usually valid for one day only) see:  https://www.canoe.ca/NationalTicker/CANOE-wire.RELIGION-Lutheran-Vote.html