Recently Archbishop Gregory has written with great clarity and insight about the dignity of human life and about the disturbing videos concerning the allegations of the selling of fetal tissue and organs of aborted babies by individuals associated with Planned Parenthood. He stated, “For those of us who are pro-life, we must continue to insist that every human life is valued, defended and respected. To shrink from that position for even a second gives ground to those who are dogged in making their opposing position known.” He went on to state that “the recent revelations of how Planned Parenthood has engaged in the sale of the organs and tissue of aborted babies has shocked and scandalized many people. But we in the pro-life community may not be surprised at the despicable revelation as others may be, since we have long believed that once you rationalize the taking of the life of a child within the womb, how you dispose of the remains becomes just another detail.”
Pope Francis echoed these sentiments when he strongly criticized a “throwaway culture” that places too little value on human life. He said, “Unfortunately what is thrown away is not only food and disposable objects but often human beings themselves, who are discarded as unnecessary.” He stressed the need to respect the dignity of the most vulnerable and marginalized in society.
As we reflect on these profound words of Pope Francis and Archbishop Gregory, this Sunday we are invited to reaffirm our appreciation for the precious gift of life. We are invited to participate in the “Life Chain” that will be held between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Old Alabama Road in an area which will include the space in front of our Church. The “Life Chain” will be a peaceful, public witness concerning the dignity of all life, especially the lives of the unborn. We will pray for our nation and its people and we will be exercising our responsibility to speak out on behalf of the value of life.
Our Bishops have called on us to be voices for the voiceless, to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. We are challenged to follow the example of our Bishops, and commit ourselves publicly to the protection of all human life from conception until natural death, as we strive to enhance the moral integrity of our great nation. If we cannot be at the “Life Chain” in Johns Creek this Sunday, we are invited to speak for the most vulnerable through prayer in the silence of our hearts.
May God bless you and your families for all you do to embrace a culture of life.