What does a pro life volunteer in San Antonio look like today? Well, if they're a volunteer with the San Antonio Coalition for Life they are peaceful, prayerful and law abiding.
This past Tuesday, as we kicked off the Spring 40 Days for Life Campaign, we got to see first hand the peaceful, prayerful presence of over 100 SACFL volunteers compared to the yelling and clanging of drums of about 15 Planned Parenthood counter protestors.
See for yourself by watching the video here: http://www.vimeo.com/20863230
Amongst the peaceful prayerful singing of the Divine Mercy Chaplet you hear the clanging drums of PP counter protestors yelling "abortion on demand- with no apologies!" . While they walked through the crowd on the sidewalk yelling at prayer warriors "See, how does it feel to be yelled at? It's not nice is it?", I kept thinking They've obviously never been to a vigil when we were there.
Because that's not what we're about. We're not on the sidewalk to judge women and men who think that abortion is the answer they're so desperately looking for. We are there to warn them about the dangers of abortion that they have NOT been fully informed about, give them a true look at the life that exists in their womb and offer loving, life affirming alternatives. Our community is here with resources for women facing unplanned pregnancies. We are here to help with diapers, clothing, furniture- basically anything a woman needs in order to continue her pregnancy.
I'd like to leave you with this final thought: as I first arrived on the sidewalk I came across the counter protestors holding a large sign. Knowing very well the rules and laws regarding protest on the sidewalk, I saw that they were blocking the driveway. I leaned over and told one of the women "Just to let you know we're not allowed to block the driveway because it's against the law". She looked back at me and said "Oh, it's okay, we know them and they [Planned Parenthood] won't call the police on us".
Isn't that simple statement so truthful and telling of the what we see and encounter everyday in regards to Planned Parenthood? They have NO regard for the laws that exists in order to protect. Whether it be protecting a sex trafficking pimp, helping underage girls to get abortions without parental notification or providing medical abortions without the proper licensing, Planned Parenthood has shown time and time again that they have no problem with breaking the law....all to the achieve "abortion on demand- with no apologies".
Comments
Yesterday near noon 3 men came to the sidewalk to pray. They were in suits but got on their knees and prayed the rosary. What a great site! Maybe more men will come out during their lunch hour or during the day and do the same.
As a counter protester that was on site for the Tuesday kickoff, this article is the greatest example of faux-reporting I've seen in months.
There were nowhere near 100 pro-life protesters and there were far more than 15 PP supporters, a better estimate would be around 50 pro-life protesters and around 30 PP supporters. We also showed up first and left last.
Additionally, many of the pro-life protesters did not follow the SACFL guidelines and frequently attempted to engage and rile up the PP supporters (myself included). The arrogance and judgmental attitudes of the pro-life protesters were appalling for a group that supposedly doesn't judge.
The quotes of what was chanted are also misleading as I never once heard "abortion on demand" chanted, but I was assaulted with harassment by the pro-life protesters. I (a man) was called a "baby killer" by one of these supposedly non-judgmental protesters though I've never been remotely involved in an abortion.
One final thought for you, when every single member of a group approaches you with disdain, disrespect and a holier than thou attitude, it creates animosity. Perhaps the people holding the sign would have listened if they weren't tired of being preached at.
We took pictures of prayer warriors on the sidewalk that evening from many angles and there were clearly 100 SACFL volunteers present. I saw your group after the event was over and I may give you 20 people but not 30. Our event was scheduled from 7-8pm and, out of respect for the school and work night, we promtply left at 8pm.
Prayer warrior volunteers are not asked to talk to anyone going in to the clinic on abortion days but if they are engaged in conversation they may answer back. I walked up and down the sidewalk that eveing and saw no existence of our volunteers speaking in anger. I honestly believe that anyone who spoke to you that evening spoke in truth and love and not anger. If you truly were called a "baby killer" by someone claiming to be a SACFL volunteer then I would like to submit my formal apology. As much as I would like to I cannot control every single person on the sidewalk.
Did you watch the video posted in the blog? You can clearly hear the counter protestors yelling "abortion on demand, with no apology".
For true dialogue to exist both sides must be open to hearing. In all that I saw that night no one from "your side" was interested in listening to anything beyong the clanging of drums.
As one who was not on the sidewalk that nite of the confrontation between pro-life and pro-abortion protestors. But as one who attended almost every day of the 40DFL event. I can say without expection except for one Pro-Lifer that displayed an inapproriate sign. I went to that pro-life protester and asked him to remove his sign. That all of our prayer warriors were peaceful and observed the side walk manners promoted by the SACFL. If you say you have never been "remotely involved in an abortion," you contradict yourself by supporting "abortion rights." Supporting "abortion rights" in word, deed or atitude leads directly or indirectly to contraceptive and an abortion mentality.
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