Needed: New Approaches for Britain
Godspy has an interesting opinion piece by Austen Ivereigh up now about the “Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill” that recently passed the House of Commons.
Though the passage of this bill is certainly a setback for the pro-life movement in Britain, it should also serve as a call to a greater practical commitment to life in British society, particularly through the dedicated involvement of lay people willing to respect and affirm life through their own actions and initiatives. The policy statements of the bishops and the minority of committed pro-lifers in the Commons failed to stop the progress of this bill. Perhaps, now it is time for Christians in Britain (and indeed throughout Europe and America) to step back and return to basics, and seek to change the laws and culture “from the bottom up” like William Wilberforce did in the 18th and 19th centuries when he embarked upon another sort of campaign in defense of human life. There are some excellent opportunities here for lay people to work effectively in the public square on these issues, but we must first recognize that our commitment to life extends beyond the voting booth, policy statements, and Marches for Life.
More initiatives from the grassroots that seek to promote respect for life, especially through crisis pregnancy centers, care for babies with disabilities or terminal illnesses, the care of the poor and sick whose lives are considered “worthless” by the culture, and other efforts to dissuade women from abortion and convince the public of the immorality of abortion by boundlessly loving mothers and children will go a long way in turning the tide of popular opinion just as the human faces of slaves and the exemplary witness of committed Christians did nearly 200 years ago. Without a doubt, this bill is a huge defeat for the pro-life movement on the public policy front, but it opens up tremendous opportunities for new, innovative initiatives in Britain and should encourage those of us who live elsewhere to a renewed commitment to work on behalf of life.
Labels: Catholics and politics, lay apostolate
posted by Joe Waters @ 4:47 PM
2 Comments
2 Comments:
It's always refreshing to get this kind of perspective on things.
Friends of mine lived in England for a year (we're Aussies). They were fairly new Catholics and had two young children at the time. They went to Mass at their local parish which was - they said - absolutely packed with young families and little kids! The Catholics there were full on in their faith and completely committed to Church teaching on contraception etc, even though they had to make many personal sacrifices (that most Aussies don't have to make) in order to have their larger then average families.
When I see depressing news coming out of England, I remember these families, whose example (somewhat second-hand, so to speak) keeps things in proper perspective.
It occurs to me, that when secularism has virtually destroyed Western Societies, out of the ashes will arise a new society. Not from the monasteries, this time, but the places where the Chattering Classes and Cafe Latte Set would not be seen dead... the 'Burbs!
Lyl,
What an interesting perspective. Thank you. You may find interesting the "New Monastic" movement (which is primarily Protestant, though Catholics would quickly recognize where it has been present in the Catholic Church already) that is presently being articulated in response to Alasdair MacIntyre's call for a "new St Benedict." In many ways, this "new monasticism" is what you describe in your comment and what is being called for in the piece from Godspy.
Two links:
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2005/september/16.38.html
http://www.newmonasticism.org/
Post a Comment
<< Home