Randall Terry to deliver pro-life message Presentation to feature talk, Christian music

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
October 30, 2003

As the observance of Respect Life Month winds down this month, parishioners of the diocese can mark their calendars for a pro-life presentation that is open to people of all faiths.

Siouxland Right to Life is sponsoring a presentation by Randall Terry, founder of Operation Rescue and the Society for Truth and Justice. The internationally known pro-life speaker will deliver his message at 1:30 p.m., Nov. 22, at the Sergeant Bluff Recreational Center, Hwy. 75, Sergeant Bluff, Iowa, just south of Sioux City. There will be a luncheon at noon limited to the first 75 people. Cost for the lunch is $10.

Julie Verzani Marr, organizer of the event, said that Terry's pro-life message will be delivered through an inspirational speech, contemporary Christian music and a question and answer session. Terry has recorded three contemporary Christian CDs. Students from Mater Dei will be among members of a children's choir to perform at the event. Dianna Spirk, former Mrs. Nebraska will also provide entertainment.

"He founded this (Operation Rescue) in order to stop babies from being aborted. They actually went to clinics - I call them death mills - to block the doctors from entering," she explained.

Marr was involved in Operation Rescue for about four years when she lived in Florida. She believes she was a recruited as a worker for Operation Rescue because of her personal story. At 28, she gave a baby up for adoption after becoming pregnant through rape. That is one of the major arguments in the pro-choice movement.

"We want to invite as many people to come as possible. It will be a fantastic talk. People will be moved, inspired, shaken up," she said. "We even invite the pro-choice to come."

According to Marge Stanek, a Sioux City Catholic and board member of Siouxland Right to Life, Terry is an inspiration to the nationwide pro-life movement.

"I have been inspired by him for years," she said. "There isn't a stronger voice in the pro-life movement than Randall Terry."

Stanek commended Terry for his commitment to the movement, pointing out that it has cost him a great deal - time, money and to some extent his reputation. He was jailed several times for his protests at abortion clinics through Operation Rescue.

After a three- or four-year sabbatical from active involvement in the pro-life movement, Stanek said Terry is back at it. Some pro-life supporters have helped him get back on his feet again.

Terry, she noted, was also active in the recent pro-life battle to have the feeding tube restored to Terri Schindler Schiavo of Florida.

At the Nov. 22 gathering, Terry is also expected to inform the people about the Society for Truth and Justice that will ask members to write politicians about concerns of such things as abortion and same-sex marriage. The group will attempt to educate and inform people about the issue.

"One of our goals is to try to put Planned Parenthood out of business," said Marr, who has been appointed the president of the Society for Truth and Justice in Sioux City.

She wanted to bring in Randall Terry because he has saved thousands of babies. Marr described him as a hero to the unborn. Terry has appeared on Oprah, Night Line, Larry King Live and 20/20 as well as the 700 Club and Focus on the Family. He has met the pope and has worked with Father Frank Pavone and Priests for Life.

Marr noted that she was jailed in Atlanta with Terry and Father Pavone.

Stanek said Father Pavone has mentioned that Terry is one of the reasons he became so active in the pro-life movement.

There are no reservations required to attend the presentation, but if you plan to attend the lunch call (712) 255-5483 or (712) 274-2188 as soon as possible.