'Open discussion is paramount when it comes to human life' - Reader's letter
Jack Hurst on a recent ‘pro-life’ rally in Sheffield...
As someone who attended this event, I feel compelled to respond to some of the characterisations that have been made in the article titled: Pro-choice rally planned in Sheffield as US-backed anti-abortion group set to give talk.
Firstly, I reject entirely the suggestion that being pro-life is in any way connected to fascism.
Fascism is the belief that the strong may dominate the weak through power and force. The pro-life position is the exact opposite.
It begins with the belief that every human being has inherent value and dignity, including those who have no voice and no ability to defend themselves.
The people at the event were ordinary men and women who care deeply about human life and who want to engage in respectful conversations about one of the most significant moral issues of our time, not extremists.
The purpose of the training day was to equip people with the tools to discuss abortion calmly, compassionately and truthfully.
The training day was organised and facilitated almost entirely by women, so the suggestion that those attending want to control women or attack anyone is simply not true.
Isabel from M4L and Rachel from Rachel's Vineyard were a fountain of knowledge on the subject. I hope that anyone interested in this issue will reach out for an honest and respectful discussion.
Furthermore, I find it concerning that some believe the mere act of discussing abortion should be met with protests and accusations.
If a position is strong, it should be able to withstand questions and scrutiny.
Open discussion is paramount in a free society and if you want to protest, surely you should understand our position first of all?
For many of us, protecting the vulnerable is not a political cause but a moral one.
As a Christian, I believe that every human life has value because every person is made in the image of God. Scripture repeatedly calls us to defend those who cannot defend themselves.
Proverbs 31:8-9 says "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly."
That's a God given command and I will endeavour never to break this.
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