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Transcript of The Archdiocese of Adelaide.
The Archdiocese of Adelaide.
Recently a friend of mine in Charlottesville, Virginia sent me a question regarding the Archdiocese of
Adelaide, Australia. The Archbishop forbid the promotion of 40 Days for Life and other pro life groups in
the parish bulletins, etc. My friend asked, “Is this dictate from the Australian bishop going to start
affecting us here in America? Is the 40 Days for Life starting to unwind and maybe someday disappear?
It's in the 41st year of protest, we can't start to WALK AWAY now, can we? I'm really starting to get
nervous.”
Here is my response to actions of the Archbishop of Adelaide.
_______________
Since 40 Days for Life is a non-denominational grass roots effort I don’t think it will have much effect.
From my experience it’s always been a remnant of God’s people (regardless of denomination) that have
led the pro life effort. And it’s almost a miracle to see a priest or pastor leading the charge. If anything it
will bring attention to the attitudes of church leaders regarding abortion. The most dynamic evangelists
I’ve met have been called out of their cars as they drove by the abortion clinic – so perhaps God is trying
to send a message to the self appointed and self anointed church leaders?
Jesus went to the fisherman and made them disciples rather than going to the synagogue and recruiting
those who had the “appearance” of being God’s servants. That’s a common theme since Samuel was
distracted by the outer appearance when he went to anoint the future King of Israel. When he saw Eliab
who looked like a King he wanted to anoint him. And then God taught Samuel an important lesson, “But
the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have
rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD
looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7
Not much has changed since then. We’re still looking at the outer appearance and getting distracted by
their vestments, titles, and ever expanding church buildings. If Christ was looking for disciples to spread
his word today do we really believe he would be recruiting pastors and priests who are silent on the
injustice abortion? Or would he be throwing pastors and parishioners out of the churches onto the
streets as he did in Jerusalem?
“And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of
prayer? But ye have made it a den of thieves.” – Mark 11:17
In Charlottesville three churches surround the Planned Parenthood abortion clinic and those churches
are silent. One pastor’s wife is adopted and he has stated that he knows it’s wrong. You’re fortunate to
have priests who are actively pro life.
Most pastors and parishioners are silently complicit in the abortion holocaust. They view abortion as a
political rather than a moral position. They think they can “check the box” and be pro life. They don’t
realize that being pro life is a personal sacrifice that involves real world action. A friend of mine puts it
this way, “A pro football player plays football, a pro golfer plays golf… what does a pro lifer do?”
I’ve had people tell me they’re pro life and when confronted with that question… they often say,
“Nothing. I haven’t done anything.” And that’s a good opportunity to remind them about the power of
prayer. Even if they cannot come and stand in front of an altar of human sacrifice they can pray from
home, pray in their car on the way work, pray in the shower, etc. Many of them have never prayed to
end abortion.
If they’re not praying to end human suffering when they’re in church – why are they attending church?
Exactly who is being served in these buildings that have all the forms of godliness? The Bible talks about
this too, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of
their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are
good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. Having a form of
godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” - 2 Timothy 3:1-5
As I go through that list I’m guilty myself! And certainly abortion falls within the “without natural
affection” warning. Mothers and fathers are supposed to love their children. And Priests and Pastors are
supposed to love God more than they love their congregation. How many pastors are silent on abortion
for fear of offending sinners in the pews? I think most Americans fall short when it comes to being
“lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God.” Imagine if Christians were as dedicated to serving God as
they are to sports, playing video games, and watching television.
The average American watches approximately 5 hours of television every day. That’s incredible
commitment – to self!
The solution to end our separation from God (and abortion) is very simple, “If my people, which are
called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked
ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles
7:14
-Steve
Steven Lopez
Spiritus Films
Cell: 832.882.3825
www.spiritusfilms.com