Pro-life direction being planned by right-to-life assembly
The B.C. Catholic
A group of concerned Vancouverites are about to assemble to discuss the direction of the pro-life movement.
Members of Vancouver Right to Life will welcome a new leadership team and thank retiring president and foundress Betty Green at St. Patrick's Parish April 23. They will also discuss best practices and consider the future of the group.
"People in the pro-life movement know that the issues they talk about are not being received the way they'd like them to be received," said Peter Nation, head of Catholic Voices Canada, in anticipation of the event.
"The future for the pro-life movement is figuring out how to reframe the Church's teaching on life so at least people are willing to listen."
Nation will share the Catholic Voices approach to navigating conversations and debates with people who hold opposing views. He calls it shedding light without generating heat.
"We're talking their language, we're acknowledging that we respect their points of view," and then "presenting the Church's teaching in a way that is not going to offend people and stir up a lot of hostility."
This method has already been shared more than 70 times to 1,600 people in the last two years, Nation said.
Pavel Reid, the archdiocesan senior director of ministries and outreach, will also speak at the April 23 event. Many in the pro-life community know him as the emcee for the annual March for Life in Victoria.
Tickets are $15. More information is available at 604-733-6266 and www.lifecollective.io/vancouver.