About & Issues
“If the right to life is not defended decisively as a condition
for all other rights of the person, all other references
to human rights remain deceitful and illusory.” Pope John Paul II
The Respect Life Ministry offers information and educational opportunities to Catholics and the general community about the Catholic Church’s teaching on The Sacred Dignity of All Human Life. The Commission also assists the parish community in becoming involved in life issues, taking simple actions to raise awareness and planning opportunities for education, advocacy, service, and prayer that focuses on the following issues;
- The death penalty
- Cloning and reproductive technologies
- Stem cell and ethics of medical research
- Abortion and post-abortion reconciliation
- Euthanasia and assisted suicide
- Natural family planning and chastity
- Other related life issues
Many important Human Concerns Ministries are in place to serve people during moments of their lives when poverty, illness, or unjust treatment exists. The Respect Life Commission’s ministry is different in that it is concerned, specifically, with those moments, when, for the convenience or preference of another, God’s gift of life is prevented from being created or is rejected or deliberately destroyed.
The Commission’s ministry is therefore a necessary predecessor to all other ministries. If one’s right to life has been taken away, it does not matter if there is food assistance available. Similarly, if a person’s is killed in the womb, then that person will never benefit from efforts to guarantee a just wage or affordable housing.
The Catholic Church has specific teachings on these life issues, which the Commission respects and supports. The goal of its members, as Catholics, is to create awareness of and educate others about the church’s positions on life issues.
The objectives of this ministry can only be achieved via methods that are peaceful, cooperative, and consistent with Christ’s message that we love one another. The Commission’s approach to this important work will promote:
- Education Over Protest – It is the Commission’s belief that, by sharing the wisdom of the Catholic faith, we will be successful in converting the hearts and minds on all life issues.
- Empathy Over Indifference – It is the Commission’s intention not to be indifferent to other viewpoints, but will offer an understanding ear and an open mind to enable meaningful dialogue about sensitive life issues.
- Unity Over Division – Through education and dialogue, the Commission hopes to foster a welcoming environment in which all points of view can be shared. Finding common ground among fellow parishioners will be difficult, yet for more meaningful and rewarding than pointing out obvious differences in opinion.