Message for Pro-life Sunday 2008

In the Gospel for this Sunday in June, Jesus said, “As you go, proclaim the Good News.”

All who follow Christ are to be proclaimers of the Good News: the kingdom of heaven has come near. With God, and in Jesus, through Jesus, we must bring the kingdom to others, and especially to those in need.

A newspaper report last month stated “Canadian abortion rate declines” according to the latest figures from Statistics Canada. The latest figures show a 3.2 per cent decline, or 3,200 fewer abortions in Canada than in the previous year. This is good news.

Some would say we are at a crossroads in our society. The culture of death is spreading and we face enormous challenges, yet we are seeing glimmers of hope:

• There is a renewed interest in the issue of abortion in the media in this 20th anniversary year of the so-called Morgentaler decision which effectively legalized abortion in this country.

• At long last, the pro-life viewpoint is being heard and reported. A number of mainstream films have also appeared, promoting the pro-life view that abortion doesn’t have to be the answer.

• There are fewer doctors and fewer hospitals doing abortions.

• The first Western March for Life in Victoria attracted over 1,000 people to the Parliament buildings as witnesses for life.

• The power of the archdiocesan-sponsored pro-life TV commercials to change hearts and minds is making a difference.

• Bill C-484, the Unborn Victims of Crime Act, seeks to recognize the personhood of the unborn child when the mother is attacked.

As we celebrate Father’s Day today and Pro-life Sunday 2008 we have reason for hope. The groups that are supported by the Pro-life Sunday collection are on the front lines of educating the public on the issues of abortion, euthanasia, reproductive technologies and post-abortion trauma. They are making a difference.

Please continue to pray and witness for life.




Most Reverend Raymond Roussin, SM
Archbishop of Vancouver