Since its founding in 2002, the
Minnesota Pro-life Religious Coalition numbers at least 50 religious leaders from different faiths
who have come together to speak out and advocate in their spheres of influence on
behalf of the unborn child. They have agreed to the following mission statement:
"We, the Minnesota Pro-life Religious Coalition, recognize that we live in a culture
of death, wherein one may use death as a means to take away discomfort, or inconvenience.
Until recently, the pro-abortion movement has seemed impregnable to the laity and
religious. However with the recent advent of new, vigorous pro-life leadership
and legislators, we are dedicated to breathing new life into Minnesota's pro-life
movement and supporting the good work of all pro-life legislators.
Hence, we, the undersigned, are dedicated to using our authority as religious,
priests, pastors, elders and ministers to speak out against the evil of abortion,
and exhort the faithful to work ardently and zealously for the total protection
of the unborn child.
Specifically, and with renewed dedication and zeal in the year 2003, we, the
undersigned, pledge to focus our current attention on:
Ending tax funding of abortion in Minnesota. Since 1995, Minnesotans pay about
$1,000,000 every year for elective abortions via tax revenues. The Minnesota
Legislature is considering several bills to stop public abortion funding.
Faithful worshippers and believers in God and life should inform themselves about
these bills and consider helping in the process.
ending partial-birth abortions. This abominable procedure destroys the child
in a gruesome way, even while the child is being born. Again, the Minnesota
Legislature is considering bills to ban partial-birth abortions. The faithful
need to become informed and involved in this good work.
assisting women in at-risk pregnancies. There are many agencies, which help
such women and their unborn children. The faithful should consider becoming involved
in this excellent way of protecting unborn children and assisting their mothers.
As members of the Minnesota Pro-life Religious Coalition, we realize that in order to be
effective, we must focus on specific issues. Hence, we dedicate ourselves to the three
above-mentioned areas of focus as our specific contribution to the pro-life movement in
Minnesota. So we will preach, pray, and make announcements in our spheres of influence
on a regular basis, preferably at least once a month.
In his encyclical Evangelium Vitae, Pope John Paul II spoke clearly about the need for
the laity to become involved in the transformative social process, leading to a culture
of life. Other religious leaders, such as Dr. James Dobson, Rev. Billy Graham, and
leaders from the Jewish and Orthodox, as well as Islamic traditions have spoken out
against abortion.
It is therefore time that we, as religious leaders in the community reinvigorate the pro-life movement, speaking with one voice against
the evil of abortion and for the sanctity of life. We fully believe that this is God's
holy battle, and as St. Paul says, we must not "grow weary in the doing of good."
For in so doing, we bring Light into a darkness that has plagued the modern world..
And so, we pledge to dedicate our hearts and our lives to this work. May God, in His mercy,
grace, and love, see us through to its fulfillment."
The Minnesota Pro-life Religious Coalition is currently forming its board of directors
from prominent religious leaders in the community. Since it will not be lobbying at
the Capitol, but rather educating and re-awakening the conscience of the believing
community as regards abortion, the Minnesota Pro-life Religious Coalition will have a
non-profit, tax-exempt, tax deductible 501c3 status. It will have no direct affiliation
with any particular religion, political party or pro-life organization. Donations
to the coalition will be used for its publications, newspaper and media announcements
and office expenses.
If you would like to join or get more information on the
Minnesota Pro-life Religious Coalition ,
please fill out the form below:
