Pro-Lifers, the Church, and Ecumenism

Abby Johnson’s dramatic conversion from the abortion industry to the pro-life movement began with her resignation as clinic director of Planned Parenthood in Bryan, TX. At next week’s Easter Vigil Mass, Abby’s conversion will become compete as she will be welcomed into the Catholic Church. Just this past month, Bryan Kemper of Stand True Ministries, announced his decision to convert to Catholicism. So what is it with these conversions to the Catholic Church? I had the chance to hear Dr. John Bergsma, professor at Franciscan University of Steubenville, gave a talk on ecumenism. Formerly a Dutch Calvinist, Dr. Bergsma pointed out that one way to foster ecumenism is the collaboration with fellow Christians for a good cause. And one popular cause is the pro-life movement. While the pro-life movement is filled with all sorts of Christians – as well as non-Christians – an overwhelming amount of those Christians are passionate Catholics. Being brought together for a worthy cause, the various Christians involved can cultivate respect and better understanding of each other’s beliefs. As Archbishop Fulton Sheen said, “There are not over a hundred people in the United States who hate the Catholic Church. There are millions, however, who hate what they wrongly believe to be the Catholic Church….” It’s hardly a coincidence that of the three main reasons listed for his conversion, Bryan Kemper included the Church’s view on contraception and the pro-life movement. Indeed, the Catholic Church is the only church to remain unwavering on the issue of contraception. While the both the early Church Fathers and the Bible regard the use of contraception as gravely sinful, no Protestant denomination upholds that position today. As proven in our society, abortion and contraception are the gateway to the Culture of Death. Only the Catholic Church has the answers which the modern world needs. Through it, we may enter into the Culture of Life.