Andy Drozdziak
March For Life UK is encouraging Catholics to fight back against ‘wave after wave of new attacks on the preborn child’ and on the pro-life movement in its upcoming march.
March For Life UK Director Isabel Vaughan-Spruce called on Catholics to ‘stand boldly and firmly’ by taking part in the march-the main pro-life event of the year.
“In a society which places less and less value on life, it’s becoming increasingly important that Christians stand boldly and firmly in promoting the inherent value of every human being. March For Life is a key way that the whole family can get involved in this mission,” she told the Universe.
This year’s March For Life will take place in London on Saturday 2nd September. It comes at a critical moment for the pro-life movement; with the introduction of ‘buffer zones’, pro-lifers such as Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, Fr Sean Gough and army veteran Adam Smith-Connor have been arrested for praying silently outside abortion clinics.
Student pro-life events, such as one in Edinburgh earlier this year, have also been closed down, whilst an elderly pro-life woman was knocked over and injured during an attack on SPUC’s Project Truth stall in Dundee last month.
March For Life is hoping to change minds about abortion, and outlined the importance of this year’s event.
“We are seeing wave after wave of new attacks on the preborn child from abortion providers, as well as some of the leading medical organisations such as the British Medical Association (BMA), The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) and The Royal college of Gynaecologists (RCOG) who are all pushing for so called ‘decriminalisation’ which in reality will mean abortion up till birth for any reason or none,” March For Life UK said.
A new feature of this year’s March is an initiative called ‘Engage’.
“Instead of just educating we want to demonstrate, instead of just learning in our heads, we will be practicing – so that during the march we can engage members of the public in helpful, productive conversations,” March For Life said.
“Those wanting to participate will be trained up in how to ask meaningful questions, to remember the importance of really listening and to conduct a constructive conversation that can really make a difference in how people think about abortion. You will be placed in a team of 2 or 3 and will have an experienced team leader with you who can help guide you through your conversations.
“To be part of this you will need to be in the main auditorium in the Emmanuel Centre (where we hold the morning ‘Lifefest’) by 11am on Saturday 2nd September, and stay there throughout the training which will last until 12.30. This training is compulsory for anyone wanting to participate and you will also be asked to sign a code of conduct before going out on the streets. Any adult pro-lifer is permitted to come to the training and it does not commit you to taking part in the ‘Engage’ outreach project.”
Keynote speeches will take place in Parliament Square, including Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, Lois McLatchie-Miller from ADF UK, Scott Klusendorf from the Life Training Institute and a personal testimony from Ellie. Christian leaders, including Catholic bishops, will pray together in a show of unity in Parliament Square. The day will end by 4.15.
March For Life said it is not necessary to book to be part of ‘Engage’-simply turn up on the day. March For Life is also encouraging people to finalise any travel plans in light of the announced rail strikes, which can be found on their website: www.marchforlife.co.uk
Mass will celebrated at 10.30am at Westminster Cathedral by Bishop John Sherrington, Bishop Richard Moth and Bishop John Keenan. The march begins at 1.30 and people are advised to be at the Emmanuel Centre by 1 o’clock.
For further information, visit www.marchforlife.co.uk/2023-annual-event-page/