Pro-life resurgence

Belief in the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death is coming back . . .

John J. Hunt

To any thoughtful, prayerful observer of the culture, it’s clear that the standards by which we were raised are viewed by many as dated, naïve attitudes of a bygone era. In fact, many of those who hold public office have the same attitude.

The secular media and cultural elites view us Catholics, who subscribe to basic truths such as the sanctity of every human life, as unworthy of attention in the conversation that populates the public square. Legates who participated in our recent Pro-Life Conference in Washington, D.C., enjoyed a much different and wholly encouraging dialogue with public servants who treasure life and who have dedicated their professional service to seeking truth and protecting life (click here for a related article).

The fortunate members who came together in our nation’s capital were treated to what many described as the finest such Legatus conference in recent history. Those present didn’t simply listen to members of Congress, they were invited to express their pro-life concerns to an eager group of legislators.

After joining Legates in a private Mass in the crypt church of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Speaker of the House John Boehner, a beacon of leadership to the pro-life effort, told us that when asked, “How did you arrive at your pro-life position?” he simply replies “It’s not really a position, it’s who I am.” He reminded us that the current freshman class in the House includes 81 avowed pro-life legislators. And this new generation of pro-life lawmakers is also populating state legislatures to the extent that there are over 350 pieces of pro-life legislation under consideration in the states, much of which is likely to pass.

It’s happening now and it’s moving quickly. And Legates across the country and beyond are engaged, are prayerful, and are inserting themselves into the effort. Life is integral to Legatus because the sanctity of every human life is central to the Catholic faith.

Your next opportunity to study and live your Catholic faith with Legatus is our fall pilgrimage to England and Rome, Oct. 12-23. You won’t want to miss it!

John Hunt is Legatus’ executive director. He and his wife Kathie are members of Legatus’ Chicago Chapter.