Interfaith pro-life service set for Jan. 14 in Sioux City

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
Jan. 11, 2007

The Siouxland Pro-life Interfaith Prayer Memorial, mourning 34 years of legalized abortion in the United States, will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 14 at Central Baptist Church in Sioux City.

"People of many faiths will gather at Central Baptist Church next Sunday. They are coming to pray for an end to the legalization of infanticide brought about by the Supreme Court's decision 34 years ago," noted Larry Walsh, a member of the planning committee.

He explained that in addition to the Jan. 22, 1973 Supreme Court decision of Roe v. Wade, they pray for a reversal of a companion decision, Doe v. Bolton.

"Those two decisions wiped out the laws of most of the states, allowing abortion on even full-term children," said Walsh.

Doe v. Bolton, 410 U.S. 179, 192 from 1973, states: "[T]he medical judgment may be exercised in the light of all factors -- physical, emotional, psychological, familial, and the woman's age -- relevant to the well being of the patient. All these factors may relate to health."

Walsh mentioned that with the ruling of Doe V. Bolton it basically allows for abortion on demand, a baby could be aborted if there is any stress on the mother.

"The worst abortion laws in the world are in the United States," he said.

When people gather at Central Baptist Church on Jan. 14, Walsh said they would mourn the deaths of approximately 48 million babies who have been aborted in the last 34 years.

"These are innocent babies - gifts from God rejected by their mothers and fathers," he said. "People will also attend to be inspired by Kim Lehman, who is executive director of the Iowa Right to Life." Lehman's topic will focus on "Do Not Grow Weary in Doing Well."

Following a welcome by Pastor Tim Blanchard of Central Baptist Church, Bishop R. Walker Nickless of the Diocese of Sioux City will offer the opening prayer.

As with past years, the memorial service will include the Presentation of Roses featuring persons 1 through 34 years old processing to the front of the church with a rose. Each rose represents a year of legalized abortion.

During the Presentation of the Roses, Walsh said, "There will be reflections from Scripture, the Psalms, political leaders and our founding fathers."

The St. John Lutheran Bell Choir of Sioux City will provide the musical program and the closing prayer will be delivered by Jason Geary, a Sioux City councilman. The Knights of Columbus Garrigan Assembly, fourth degree, will provide an honor guard.

After a brief coffee social, the concluding portion of the service - Final Destination of the Roses - is slated for 3:45 p.m. at Queen of Peace. People will gather in the Marian Center for reflection led by Deacon Bill Berger. Then there will be a procession to the Tomb of the Unborn "where the roses will be placed on the tomb to wither and die in the cold just as this world's future sons and daughters are dying today in the cold, harshness of abortion."

The interfaith program originated in 1995 with the initiation of the "22nd of the Month" pro-life prayer memorial led monthly by various churches and religious groups at Queen of Peace. The yearly memorial service is held on a date near the Jan. 22 anniversary date of Roe v. Wade. Most years this service draws about 500 but it has attracted as many as 800.

"We are especially praying for an end to abortion for those innocent babies who have no choice, they have no voice but ours," said Walsh. "We invite everyone to come and join us."

Walsh pointed out that this is not the first time that the nation has had to fight to reverse immoral laws. He mentioned that in 1865, it was the 13th Amendment that reversed the legal but immoral holding of slaves. In 1920, the 19th amendment reversed the law saying that women could not vote.

Organizers of this service include the Alpha Center, Queen of Peace, Siouxland Right to Life and Central Baptist Church. Sponsors of the event include the Alpha Center, Catholic Charities, Caughlin Landscaping, Diocese of Sioux City, Hardee's Restaurants/Stanek Inc., Knights of Columbus Garrigan Assembly, Dr. Jerry and Sheryl McGowan, North Sioux Dental Clinic, Queen of Peace, Bill and Mary Sievers, Siouxland Right to Life and Larry and Sharon Walsh.

Central Baptist Church is located at 4001 Indian Hills Drive in Sioux City.