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The third Sunday in January is set aside as Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. This year, we are anchoring our Sanctity of Human Life commemoration in Our World Belongs to God, the Contemporary Testimony of the Christian Reformed Church, Article 44. Because of our call to treat all life with awe and respect—from the womb to the tomb—we invite you to explore a holistic ethic of life as it relates to the unborn, people with disabilities and end of life issues. As you commemorate this day, we also invite you and your congregation to use this Special Sanctity of Human Life Sunday Prayer in your corporate worship service as we honor and promote the sanctity of life.
Unborn
As a church, we continue to grieve with those touched by the brutality of abortion. We pray for women, men and families whose lives have been forever changed, and we cling to the restoring power of the Holy Spirit. Learn more in the 'Resources' section (below) about how we can continue to advocate for the unborn.
The Vulnerable
As we protest and resist all harms that diminish the gift of life, we faithfully work to embrace people with disabilities, not only as recipients of God’s love, but as partners in ministry. Visit our disability concerns resource page for a comprehensive start to inclusive ministry and church accessibility.
End of Life Issues
As legislative decisions with respect to end of life care and issues continue to alarm the faith community, we continue to condemn the wanton or arbitrary destruction of any human being at any stage—including end of life. We lament the lack of respect of the moral agency of vulnerable individuals which are often dismissed in these conversations. We pray for a deeper reverence of life and a commitment to justice. For more information, resources and advocacy opportunities on this topic, see here.
Corporate Worship
Explore free bulletin inserts, slide images, and congregational prayers to use for this SundayThese resources can help your church honor this special Sunday.
Get Involved In Your Community
A good way of learning about the realities of this issue in our own communities is to directly support women who are pregnant and trying to choose an option other than abortion. We've compiled a map that will help you find local pregnancy resource centers in your area. Most of these centers offer pregnancy tests, counseling, and support for mothers who decide to carry their babies to term. Volunteers and financial support are always needed and welcome.
Online Blog Series
Life is a gift from God. Caring for new human life, whether in the womb or outside of it, means caring for mothers (and families!).
Those first tender 1000 days, from conception to age 2, set an important foundation for flourishing. If mothers and families receive care and support during those first 1,000 days, their precious babies can begin life on the right foot.
We know that the principalities and powers set themselves against God’s promise of “life, life to the full”. Let’s look those systemic evils in the face, and open doors for the Holy Spirit to move us towards prayer and active love. Read this blog series!
Empower Pregnant Women
Recent studies have shown that the three primary reasons that women choose abortion in the US and Canada are:
Books
Why Pro-Life? Caring for the Unborn and Their Mothers
In this small book, Alcorn offers an evangelical, Christian perspective on why it is critical that Christians seek to protect preborn life and how Christians can support women facing unexpected pregnancies in their community.
Abortion: Seeking Common Ground
Although a bit dated (1993), the Reformed Church in America’s study guide for adults titled: Abortion: Seeking Common Ground, is still a very helpful educational resource.
Encourage Congress to Pass Bi-Partisan Child Tax Credit Bill
(For U.S audience) When we do the work of justice as people of faith, we must strive to address the root causes of issues with compassion and intentionality. This principle directly applies to our moral call to defend and promote life. A critical, often overlooked factor driving many women and men, particularly in low-income families, to face heartbreaking decisions about ending pregnancies is the staggering rate of child poverty and the inadequate support structures for families. Expanding the Child Tax Credit, which has been proven to significantly reduce child poverty, offers a tangible, pro-life solution by fostering conditions that affirm and sustain life at its most vulnerable stages. Advocating for policies that alleviate child poverty is not only a matter of economic justice but also a profound way to uphold the dignity and sanctity of life for both children and families. Learn more here and consider advocacy.