On March 25, 1995, Pope John Paul II signed his encyclical, Evangelium Vitae, (The Gospel of Life). This encyclical is the single most authoritative pronouncement from the Holy See on the inviolability of human life. Its condemnations of murder, abortion, euthanasia, and capital punishment are stated in terms that convey exceptional doctrinal force and uncontestable truth. He comments on the darkness of modern relativism and individualism:

"A new cultural climate is developing and taking hold which gives crimes against life a new and-if possible-even more sinister character, giving rise to grave concern: Broad sectors of public opinion justify certain crimes against life in the name of the rights of individual freedom&. Choices that once were unanimously considered criminal and that rejected common moral sense are gradually becoming socially acceptable."

The Respect Life Program, through its program manual and other materials, helps parishes call attention to specific problems and provides appropriate program formats and resources. It highlights the relationships among many of the Church's concerns and serves as a model for education on Christian responsibility. It looks at human life: various problems facing the family, youth, the unemployed, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. It addresses specific issues such as poverty, housing, war, capital punishment, population control, infanticide and euthanasia. While each of the issues demands its own moral analysis and response, the Respect Life Program calls attention to the way in which each touches on the dignity of human life.

To contact someone regarding our Respect Life Program, click here.