Pro-Lifers Defy All Stereotypes
Over 50 representatives from a variety of religious and ethnic groups held a press conference in Washington, D.C., September 23, 2004, to present a clear and unified message on the upcoming elections.
"By gathering a group of people that is very diverse politically, ethnically, and religiously, we are aiming to destroy the stereotypes under which many labor, namely that opposition to abortion must come only from one religious group," said Fr. Frank Pavone, national director of Priests for Life and president of the National Pro-Life Religious Council. "Through this press conference, we are pointing out that opposition to abortion is based on reasons above and beyond any religious, ethnic, or political loyalties a person might have. Rather, it flows from an awareness that, as an act of violence, abortion has no place in a civilized society."
"Because abortion is an act of violence that destroys an entire segment of the public," Fr. Pavone concluded, "no one who ignores the victims of abortion is worthy to hold public office."
Attendees at the press conference included Priests for Life, National Right to Life, National Pro-Life Religious Council, Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, Family Research Council, Lutherans for Life, Lifewatch-Taskforce of United Methodists on Abortion and Sexuality, Focus on the Family, Indians for Life, National Black Catholic Apostolate for Life, Alpha Omega Life, The Methodist Episcopal Church-U.S.A., Dr. Alveda C. King, Common Good, Black Americans for Life, Democrats for Life of America, Libertarians for Life, NOEL, Gospel of Life Ministries, Silent No More, International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church, Conservation Congregational Christian Conference, and United Church of Christ Friends for Life.