Today marks the beginning of Respect Life Month, a month of work, hope, and prayer for a culture of life within our world. The Church focuses on the life-issues during this month, reminding us of the dignity, sacredness, and beauty of all life, particularly the life of all persons.
On October 20th, I will be speaking at a town hall presentation at my home parish, making the case that building a culture of life necessitates charitably engaging and persuading the members of the Abortion Rights movement, particularly the leaders and those who wield power to shape our culture. Legal defenses of life will persist only if accompanied by cultural changes. Changing the culture means we change the hearts and minds of those who form the culture. In order for a meeting of hearts and minds to occur, all sides in the abortion debate must use language that is accurate, respectful, and charitable. Insinuating (or explicitly stating) that one side is against life or wants to oppress women alienates rather than persuades.
The speech is currently dry and dull, but it should be better in the next few weeks. I at least hope it won't serve as a remedy for insomnia.
I'll post the presentation after the event. For now, here's a similarly themed piece I wrote for the parish community last year.
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