Most Rev. Robert J. Carlson

 

Letter to March for Life 2007 participants

 

January 20, 2007

 

Dear March for Life participants,

 

It is with great joy and gratitude that I greet you as we journey together to the 2007 March for Life in Washington, D.C. As participants in this journey, you are defenders of the unborn and messengers of hope for our nation and the world.

 

In his encyclical the Gospel of Life, John Paul II reminded us that "Human life is sacred and inviolable at every moment of existence, including the initial phase which precedes birth. All human beings, from their mother's womb, belong to God who searches and knows them, who forms them and knits them together with his own hands."

 

Our late pontiff gave us hope for our works when he said, "When we fight abortion, we are also contributing to the restoration of the ideas and actions that are necessary to build a civilization of life." As people of faith, we are called to imitate Jesus Christ and spread the Gospel message.

 

As Catholics, we learn about our faith through the Sacred Scriptures and the teaching of the Magisterium. The Catholic Church has taught from the beginning that the killing of the unborn is intrinsically evil, murder, and can never be justified. As faithful citizens, it is our moral responsibility to proclaim the truth about the dignity of every human life.

 

I applaud you today as you travel to our nation's capital as promoters of a culture of life. In a special way, I wish to thank the young people here with us. It is wonderful to know that there are so many young leaders in our church and our nation who are not afraid to be witnesses for the dignity of human life.

 

As you march on Monday, I ask you to keep in mind all of your sisters and brothers who are not here because they were aborted during the same year your parents were blessed with your life.

 

May the Lord bless you and your families as you travel on this journey.

 

Sincerely,

 

Most Rev. Robert J. Carlson

Bishop of Saginaw

 

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