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A Decision for Life
The Supreme Court decision upholding the ban on partial-birth abortion is cause for satisfaction. The first judicial limitation on the militant agenda of the doctrinaire abortionists, who up until now have held Roe vs. Wade to be sacrosanct, is a step in the right direction. It opens the way for future advocacy.
In an op-ed piece in The New York Times, David Brooks states the case: “When you look at the statements of the abortion rights forces, you find that they cannot even look this issue (the humanity of third-trimester fetuses) in the face. Read the statements of the Democratic candidates. Read the protests from Planned Parenthood and NARAL. They can’t even bring themselves to mention the word ‘fetus.’ They have built a lofty etiquette that treats abortion with the moral equivalent of a tonsillectomy.”
“If we could get this issue away from the abortionist professionals and their orthodoxies, we could reach a sensible solution,” he argues as he makes the case for even further restrictions on the nightmare of abortion.
We do not agree entirely with Brooks’ full position on abortion, but we do accept his analysis and view of the abortion lobby. It is that group which makes the debate about abortion so difficult in our society.
The pro-life effort continues. Those who pray at the sites of abortion and who march in Washington every year on the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, and those who pray daily for an end to abortion, can take heart that the tide has turned in America and the courts have begun to reverse the anti-life course that the nation has been on.
We are left with the issue of abortion and its role in the 2008 presidential race. Many candidates are posturing, trying to make their positions more appealing to the majority of Americans who detest the idea of abortion. Still others remain callous to the truth and hold steadfast in their abortion mentality.
The Supreme Court ruling is reason to take heart that the movement is shifting to a more pro-life one. The victories will be slow and bitterly contested. We look now for the protection of the rights of parents. We call for more parental consent bills.
Most of all, we push for more education so that our young people will properly understand that life begins at conception and all life, especially the most vulnerable, needs to be honored and respected by all.
We oppose any move in Congress to try to overturn the Supreme Court’s decision. It should be honored for the truth that it states.
We are gratified for the courage of some in Congress, like Brooklyn Congressman Vito Fossella, who said, “Some in Congress have already said they may look to reverse the Court’s ruling and allow this heinous act to continue. I will oppose any measure that allows partial-birth abortion to continue. By upholding the prohibition, the Court also upheld the sanctity of human life.
“This barbaric act (partial-birth abortion) is shocking in its brutality and indifference to human life,” Fossella continued. “For a society that rightfully condemns child abuse, partial-birth abortion is the ultimate form. Senator Moynihan spoke for millions of Americans when he likened the procedure to infanticide. The ruling is limited to partial-birth abortion and prohibits a procedure that has no place in civilized society.”
God gives life to humanity. It is up to us men and women to cherish and safeguard it.
Get Involved
May is only days away and as far as we’re concerned it couldn’t come quickly enough. Enough with the chill and the rain. We are appreciating the warmth and sunshine of the past week.
During this time of renewal in the weather, we urge all parishioners to make a renewed effort to participate in events being offered by the diocese and the parish.
There is no vacation from the faith. As if to underline that point, the Office of Faith Formation is sponsoring an outdoor Rosary Rally for families to be held June 3 at Our Lady of Hope Field in Middle Village. In addition to reciting the Rosary with Bishop DiMarzio, families also will enjoy each other’s company at a family picnic. See Page 24 for more details.
For those more traditional parishioners, there will be a chance to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady at Fatima, Portugal, when the Blue Army holds a holy hour and celebrates Mass May 12 at St. Matthias, Ridgewood. See Page 20 for the details.
We also call your attention to our Page 3 story about the wonderful parishioners at Our Lady of Mercy parish in Forest Hills who have taken it upon themselves to help bring clean drinking water to a village in Nigeria. It’s a wonderful project of thanksgiving that beautifully coincides with the assistance the parish is receiving from Father Christopher Okorie, a Nigerian priest who is ministering in Forest Hills while he studies at St. John’s University.
The faith is alive here in the Brooklyn-Queens Diocese. These are only three of the stories of faith in action which you can learn more about in The Tablet this week.
We urge you to be active and to get involved with the local Church.
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