Denver, Colo., Aug 16, 2008 / 22:00 pm
The Archdiocese of Denver announced it will hold a prayer vigil and peaceful protest outside the Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains Abortion Clinic. Speaking at the event will be Dr. Alveda King, and Most Rev. Charles J. Chaput, Archbishop of Denver.
The archdiocesan Respect Life Office, in partnership with the archdiocesan Office of Black Catholics will hold the “Light in the Darkness” rally against abortion on Monday, August 25.
The main speaker of the event, Dr. Alveda King, the niece of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Director of African American Outreach for the Gospel of Life Ministries will open the prayer vigil by addressing abortion as one of today’s most pressing civil rights issues. She will also comment on Planned Parenthood’s history of targeting minority neighborhoods for abortion services.
Dr. King has noted that “The fight against abortion is a new frontier in the Civil Rights Movement,” stated Dr. King. “We are not following Martin’s dream if we do not stand up for the voiceless.”
Additionally, Archbishop Chaput and Pastor Ralph Beechum of House of Joy Miracle Deliverance Church and will offer prepared remarks.
Also in attendance will be Auxiliary Bishop of Denver, Most Rev. James Conley, Pastor Patrick L. Demmer, Jr. of Graham Memorial Community Church of God in Christ and Pastor Willard Johnson of Macedonia Baptist Church in Park Hill.
The bishops of Colorado have spoken out against the new facility explaining that not only is Planned Parenthood among the leading providers of abortion in the United States, but they also are “a supplier of graphic and educational materials.”
The November statement concluded by asking Catholics to offer their prayers to God for the respect of life: “We urge the Catholic community and all people of good will to defend themselves and their beliefs against Planned Parenthood by every legal and ethical means at their disposal. We ask all Catholics to pray, within their families and parish communities, that the dignity and sanctity of every human life will be upheld at all stages of development.”
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The vigil will conclude with a candlelight walk around new facility, which is said to be the largest abortion clinic in the United States. It is located at 7155 E. 38th Ave. in Denver.