Since our last pro-life report, SB 623 was unfortunately passed by the Senate and signed into law by Governor Brown. As you’ll recall, SB 623 will continue a pilot program sponsored by Planned Parenthood allowing non-physicians, including midwives, to perform first trimester abortions. Some 8,000 pre-born babies have already been killed under this program, a program which now will claim the lives of even more innocents.
On September 20, KXTV News 10 reported on Holy Family Catholic Church in Citrus Heights. The news story concerned a large sign on the front lawn that reads: “Don’t support abortion with your vote. Vote pro-life!” Despite allegations to the contrary, the report found that the sign does not violate Holy Family’s tax-exempt status because it does not endorse a candidate, but rather expresses a viewpoint on an issue. The full story may be found here:
www.news10.net/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=210291
Beginning on September 26, the 40 Days for Life campaign is now well underway. We have been blessed already with the conversion of one mother, who told 40 Days for Life prayer volunteers on the sidewalk outside of the abortion business at 1750 Wright Street that she had changed her mind and decided to keep her baby because of them. The abortion business is now closed on Saturdays, which had formerly been one of the killing days. Wynette Sills of 40 Days for Life has asked for prayer volunteers to cover every hour at 1750 Wright Street, from 7am to 7pm, Monday through Friday. Volunteers are asked to refrain from bringing their own signs and to please use the signs provided by 40 Days for Life instead. They are also asked to read and sign the Statement of Peace. Bishop Soto has been extremely supportive of 40 Days for Life. For more details, including how to sign-up, please see:
www.40daysforlife.com/sacramento/
In even more recent news, the California Catholic Conference has issued a statement in support of Proposition 34, the initiative that will end the use of the death penalty in California and replace it with life imprisonment without parole. The statement comes immediately before the observance of October as Respect Life Month in the Catholic Church throughout the United States. By coinciding with the first time that a major political party has removed from its official platform any reference to the Author of life, this year’s forty-first annual Respect Life Month is uniquely poignant.
Fraternally in Christ,
Bill James
Culture of Life Director
K of C Council 953