Abortion legislation – call to prayer this weekend
With the impending imposition of abortion legislation on Northern Ireland, the Church Leaders Group calls us to prayer this weekend (12–13 October).
All members, congregations and parishes are encouraged to pray specifically both for the protection of the unborn in our society and also for women facing difficult and challenging pregnancies along with their families. They are also asked to encourage their local elected representatives to take the steps necessary to restore the Northern Ireland Assembly before Monday, 21 October.
The group of leaders, who represent the Catholic Church, Church of Ireland, Presbyterian Church, Methodist Church, and the Irish Council of Churches, have also invited all members of their respective churches to consider signing an online petition launched by Baroness Nuala O’Loan to oppose the imposition of abortion legislation on Northern Ireland.
The petition is open for signatures at this link.
The Church of Ireland has followed the common Anglican position that the termination of a pregnancy should be considered only in cases of strict and undeniable medical necessity, and the Church affirms the need for compassionate, professional and ongoing supportive care for parents and families experiencing difficult pregnancies.