2006 RESPECT LIFE CONFERENCE

The Seamless Garment of Life
September 30, 2006

This invitation is very appropriate for us who are called day by day to the duty of choosing between the "culture of life" and the "culture of death."
Evangelium Vitae: 28

More than 100 people who attended the Catholics United for Life conference learned that becoming properly educated about the life movement might not be enough.

It's what people do with what they learn that will make a significant difference, said keynote speaker Janet E. Smith, Ph.D., professor of moral theology at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, during her Sept. 30 address in Cody. Smith was one of several speakers who provided valuable information for both Catholic and non-Catholic children, teens, and adults who are committed to the pro-life movement.

Dr. Janet E. Smith

Smith urged attendees to practice "sexual common sense" and to "make a decision of conscience" based on prayer and education when considering life choices.

"Gather the facts, determine why this action might be right or wrong and pray about it," Smith said.

After her morning address, Smith shared her impressions of the pro-life movement, challenges to this effort and responsible parenting.

Q. What do you believe is the primary challenge to the pro-life movement?

A. "There are two: The primary reason for the 'need' for abortion is sex outside marriage. It is not really the question of when human life begins. The Supreme Court seems confused about that question but science is not.

"The other difficulty is that we believe we should be free to do what we want and to perceive any claims to truth to be arrogant and unreasonably restrictive."

Q. How can Catholics work against this challenge?

A. "The pro-life movement has many 'arms' –political, educational, social service and religious. They all have different aims. For my part, I believe the educational arm needs to be very involved in teaching chastity. Much is going on in that area so things are going in the right direction.

Dr. Smith and Bishop Ricken

"Politically we need to elect officials that will work to overturn Roe v. Wade and prepare to provide protection for the unborn. The Pro-Life movement is exemplary in charitable outreach to women in need.

"The fight against an erroneous view of freedom largely requires evangelization. We need to help people understand that we are God's creatures and will only be free when they live in accord with the nature he gave us. His commandments are expressions not of unreasonable limitations but of wise truths concerning what is good for human beings."

Credit: Vin Cappiello for The Wyoming Catholic Register.