PINELLAS PARK, Fl., March 15, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) – With the March 18, 1pm deadline for removal of nutrition and hydration from cognitively disabled Terri Schiavo fast approaching, faith organizations and leaders are encouraging supporters to come to the Woodside Hospice to stand in solidarity with Terri. The Woodside Hospice, where Terri Schiavo lives, is located at 6774 102nd Avenue N. (near 66th Street N and 102nd Avenue N) in Pinellas Park, Florida.
The groups will begin a round-the-clock vigil on Wednesday, March 16th at 12:00 P.M. Organizers will hold prayer vigils, rallies, and peaceful activist and cutting edge public events.
“If the feeding tube is removed, we are asking people of good will to come from all across the nation to stand in solidarity with our sister Terri and the Schindler family,” said Rev. Rob Schenck, President of the National Clergy Council. “It is essential that we send a loud and clear message that in America we do not starve people facing physical and mental challenges. We love and care for them.”
Troy Newman, Director of Operation Rescue West, commented, “If Terri were a convicted serial killer, she would be afforded more civil and legal rights then she is being given right now. It is illegal to starve an animal in America. How can we possibly allow this to happen to a human being?”
Brandi Swindell, National Director of Generation Life, said, “I hope and pray thousands come to Florida to stand with our dear sister Terri. We must prayerfully do all that we can to save her life and ensure this never happens again.”
Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, added, “If Terri’s feeding tube is removed, it is critical that the faith community and people of goodwill publicly stand against this horrible injustice and evil. Our prayer is that thousands will come to Pinellas Park and send a clear and powerful message to our courts and political leaders that all life is sacred and has dignity. Not only are we working to save the life of Terri Schiavo, and the many others in her condition, we are working to save the future soul of our nation.”