Public Policy Network
Protecting and promoting the inviolable rights of
persons is the most solemn responsibility of civil authority. As Americans and
as religious leaders we are committed to Governance by a system of law that
protects human rights and maintains the common good. We are reminded that "the
Church must be committed to the task of educating and supporting lay people
involved in law-making, government and the administration of justice, so that
Legislation will always reflect those principals and moral values which are in
conformity with sound anthropology and advance the common good" (the Church in
America, no. 19, Quoting the Synod for America, proposition 72).
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
The USCCB has developed a pastoral plan calling upon
the resources of the Church -its people, services and institutions, to pursue in
a united effort to restore respect and legal protection for every human life- to
be what the Holy Father asks us to be: a people of life and a people for life
(The Gospel of Life # 78). We are called to pursue this effort with renewed
energy and commitment in four major areas:
Public Information and Education
Pastoral Care
Public Policy
Prayer and Worship
Annual March for Life This annual
march is held on January 22nd in Washington, DC to call attention to the 1973
Supreme Court decision of Roe v. Wade, decriminalizing abortion in the US. Many
thousands converge at the Washington Mall to pray and support each other in
their effort to overturn that law. They then prayerfully march on Constitution
Avenue to the Supreme Court.
Respect Life Sunday Respect Life
Sunday is celebrated nationally on the first Sunday in October of every year. On
this day Catholics across the country come together to pray for an increased
awareness of the full Gospel of Life. For activities in your area, contact your
local parish.
Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life activities This annual
publication is sent to all pastors in the Fall. It outlines the United States
Conference of Catholic Bishop's plan for Pro-Life activities for the coming
year.
Contact Information: Contact: the ProLife
Secretariate United States Conference of Catholic Bishops 3211 Fourth
Street N.E. Washington. D.C. 12203-1004 www.usccb.org/prolife
