By Father Larry Lynn

A crack in the culture of death?

I’ve been involved in the pro-life movement for about 14 years. For many others, it has been twice or even three times that long. Upon awakening to the horror inflicted on individual pre-born humans and the exponential societal damage it causes, we “come to ourselves,” like the Prodigal Son in the parable. We begin to grasp the enormity of the problem we are facing. The abortion mindset has grown exponentially since the 1960s. What was once a strong taboo seems to have been embraced by the whole world in a remarkably short time. It boggles the mind.

How can we possibly fight such a juggernaut as the culture of death? It is pervasive, and if you speak against it, you are labeled as fringe. Your point of view is not welcome in the public square.

But once the mind’s eye is opened to the truth that no one has the right to take an innocent human life, the size of the giant no longer matters. We must not be afraid; we must confront the giant. Because the giant is a big lie, and truth is eternal.

So many people have been standing against abortion, witnessing publicly and praying steadfastly for years, reaching out one soul at a time. Years and years of prayer often pass with little visible change, and it can become daunting. Yet we continue to pray, persevere, and find ways to support women who might be considering abortion. It’s a process that works person to person, soul to soul. Sometimes a life is saved—just one soul. But one soul is more valuable than the whole universe.

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The potential closing of the Bagshaw abortion mill is undoubtedly good news. Any time an abortion mill closes, it’s a victory. I believe that our prayers, public witness, diligence, and faithfulness are making an impact on that massive abortion juggernaut. I think I see a crack in their seemingly impenetrable armour. It’s a sign that it is possible to change hearts and minds throughout the country, one soul at a time. We’ve seen it happen in the United States. The tide is turning there. Planned Parenthood is in disarray, largely due to the prayer and witnessing of 40 Days for Life, the March for Life, and many other initiatives.

It only makes sense because truth always wins in the end.

Father Lynn is the pro-life chaplain for the Archdiocese of Vancouver.

 

One clinic closes, but the fight continues

By John Hof

Thirty-five years ago, pro-lifers gathered outside this abortion facility at 1177 West Broadway. We prayed it would not open. We prayed that those responsible for this travesty against the unborn would come to their senses. Today, we hear that the killing centre is closing forever. They have run out of money.

Forgive me for being a little suspicious of this announcement. We currently have a government that never stops advocating for abortion on demand and has gone out of its way to accommodate every program protecting the right to abortion. I can’t help but feel there’s something fishy about this news.

Recently, the promoters of abortion on demand seem to have set their sights on even bigger targets for advancing death as an option. Ellen Wiebe, the most notorious B.C. abortionist who opened her own clinic years ago, has moved on to become the loudest advocate for death on demand in Canada, leading the push to expand assisted suicide.

Our NDP government would never willingly allow the closure of an abortion facility while maintaining a pro-abortion policy. I hope I’m wrong, but I suspect this whole announcement of closure is just a smokescreen to funnel more money into the hands of these abortion providers under the guise of financial need.

Like many others who stood outside all those years ago, praying for an end to abortion and the closure of these death-dealing facilities, I am grateful that our prayers appear to have been answered. Elizabeth Bagshaw is set to close its doors, and that is a good thing.

The bad news is that Everywoman’s Health Centre and the Willow Clinic remain open. In addition, 35 hospitals in B.C. are still designated in legislation as “abortion hospitals.” We continue to pray that these will follow Elizabeth Bagshaw’s example and end the evil practice of taking pre-born children’s lives.