Religious Leaders Stand Up Enthusiastically for Life

40th Anniversary of Roe Energizes Pro-Life Movement

By Ernest Ohlhoff

Washington, DC – Hymns, Scripture readings, and inspirational sermons echoed in historic DAR Constitution Hall on the morning of January 25th in memory of the 55 million pre-born babies killed by abortion during the past 40 years.

Eighty-two Bishops, Pastors, and Clergy representing dozens of different denominations participated in the 19th Annual Memorial for the Pre-Born. Twenty-five choir members raised their voices filling the hall with spirit-filled songs and hymns.

The event was attended by nearly a thousand pro-life marchers from every corner of America. They represented every denomination, race, ethnicity, and color. And in spite of the political setbacks in the November elections their spirit was not dampened. They were energized and displayed a new level of commitment and determination. They were filled with a willingness to get to work and restore legal protection for all innocent human life.

In his sermon, Fr. Frank Pavone, President of the National Pro-Life Religious Council (NPRC) brought the crowd to its feet when he told the attendees that the fundamental responsibility of government is to protect life saying, “We must recall the government to its fundamental role: to protect the rights God has given us, not to be God over us. We must recall public servants to their fundamental duties. We need public servants who know the difference between serving the public and killing the public. And if they don't, they do not belong in public office.”

During the service, numerous inspirational prayers and scripture readings were read by the clergy participating in the Memorial. There was no question that all were united in their commitment to work enthusiastically for restoring legal protection for all innocent human life.  

NPRC presented a special award to Reggie Littlejohn, President of Women’s Rights Without Frontiers, for her tireless efforts to end the one-child and forced abortion policies in China and for her efforts to end sex selection abortion which is ramped in Eastern cultures.

Michael Schwartz also received an award from NPRC as well as the Cardinal John J. O’Connor Award presented by Legatus, for his 40 years of dedicated and selfless service to the pro-life movement. Michael served in many capacities with numerous pro-life organizations. Most recently he serves as Chief of Staff to Senator Tom Coburn.

National Right to Life served on the Organizing Committee and was a member of the Host Committee.

The National Pro-Life Religious Council is an ecumenical organization made up of pro-life groups working within a wide variety of religious denominations. NPRC is entering its thirtieth year of working to protect all innocent human life from abortion, euthanasia, physician assisted suicide, embryonic stem cell research, health care rationing, and infanticide.