‘Take every opportunity to proclaim the sacred value of human life’: Archbishop Miller

Archbishop J. Michael Miller issued this message for Pro-Life Sunday, which is celebrated on Father’s Day, June 16, in the Archdiocese of Vancouver. You can make a donation to the special collection here.special collection here

June 16, 2024

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

On this Father’s Day, we express our gratitude to all fathers who love and protect their families. It is fitting that this is also Pro-life Sunday in the Archdiocese of Vancouver.  

Cardus, a Canadian think tank, recently released a research paper titled, Still Christian, What Canadian Christians Actually Believe. When respondents were asked whether they agreed with the statement that abortion is the killing of an unborn human being, just 39% of Catholics said yes. It is very disturbing that over 60% of surveyed Catholics did not agree.  

The Declaration On Human Dignity, published by the Holy See this April, quotes Pope Francis as saying, “the dignity of every human being has an intrinsic character and is valid from the moment of conception until natural death” (n. 47). The Declaration continues, “The acceptance of abortion in the popular mind, in behaviour, and even in law itself is a telling sign of an extremely dangerous crisis of the moral sense, which is becoming more and more incapable of distinguishing between good and evil, even when the fundamental right to life is at stake.” (n.47)

On “Medical Assistance in Dying” the Declaration has this to say: “There is a widespread notion that euthanasia or assisted suicide is somehow consistent with respect for the dignity of the human person. However, in response to this, it must be strongly reiterated that suffering does not cause the sick to lose their dignity, which is intrinsically and inalienably their own” (n. 51).

We must take every opportunity to proclaim the sacred value of human life, by prayerful intercession, by witnessing to others, and by supporting organizations whose goal it is to help those facing times of crisis. Ours is the voice of truth about life to our family, friends and the wider community. Let us ask the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Life, to guide us in our efforts to increase reverence for life and a culture of life in our world.  

With my blessing and the assurance of my prayers for you and your families, I remain

Sincerely yours in Christ, 

J. Michael Miller, CSB
Archbishop of Vancouver

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