'Witness to the truth' about dignity of human life, cardinal urges

Published: 2007-10-01

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia, chairman of the U.S. bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities, called on Catholics and "all people of good will to witness to the truth about the incomparable dignity and right to life of every human being." In a Sept. 25 statement for Respect Life Sunday, celebrated in Catholic parishes in the United States Oct. 7 this year, the cardinal noted widespread confusion on life issues, including embryonic stem-cell research, partial-birth abortion and euthanasia. The right to life is more than a religious concern, he said. Quoting from the preamble to the 1989 U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child, he said the "recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world." In 1972 the U.S. bishops launched the Respect Life program and designated the first Sunday in October as Respect Life Sunday.

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