The Archdiocese of Adelaide.

Recently a friend of mine in Charlottesville, Virginia sent me a question regarding the Archdiocese of

Adelaide, Australia. The Archbishop forbid the promotion of 40 Days for Life and other pro life groups in

the parish bulletins, etc. My friend asked, “Is this dictate from the Australian bishop going to start

affecting us here in America? Is the 40 Days for Life starting to unwind and maybe someday disappear?

It's in the 41st year of protest, we can't start to WALK AWAY now, can we? I'm really starting to get

nervous.”

Here is my response to actions of the Archbishop of Adelaide.

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Since 40 Days for Life is a non-denominational grass roots effort I don’t think it will have much effect.

From my experience it’s always been a remnant of God’s people (regardless of denomination) that have

led the pro life effort. And it’s almost a miracle to see a priest or pastor leading the charge. If anything it

will bring attention to the attitudes of church leaders regarding abortion. The most dynamic evangelists

I’ve met have been called out of their cars as they drove by the abortion clinic – so perhaps God is trying

to send a message to the self appointed and self anointed church leaders?

Jesus went to the fisherman and made them disciples rather than going to the synagogue and recruiting

those who had the “appearance” of being God’s servants. That’s a common theme since Samuel was

distracted by the outer appearance when he went to anoint the future King of Israel. When he saw Eliab

who looked like a King he wanted to anoint him. And then God taught Samuel an important lesson, “But

the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have

rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD

looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

Not much has changed since then. We’re still looking at the outer appearance and getting distracted by

their vestments, titles, and ever expanding church buildings. If Christ was looking for disciples to spread

his word today do we really believe he would be recruiting pastors and priests who are silent on the

injustice abortion? Or would he be throwing pastors and parishioners out of the churches onto the

streets as he did in Jerusalem?

“And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of

prayer? But ye have made it a den of thieves.” – Mark 11:17

In Charlottesville three churches surround the Planned Parenthood abortion clinic and those churches

are silent. One pastor’s wife is adopted and he has stated that he knows it’s wrong. You’re fortunate to

have priests who are actively pro life.

Most pastors and parishioners are silently complicit in the abortion holocaust. They view abortion as a

political rather than a moral position. They think they can “check the box” and be pro life. They don’t

realize that being pro life is a personal sacrifice that involves real world action. A friend of mine puts it

this way, “A pro football player plays football, a pro golfer plays golf… what does a pro lifer do?”

I’ve had people tell me they’re pro life and when confronted with that question… they often say,

“Nothing. I haven’t done anything.” And that’s a good opportunity to remind them about the power of

prayer. Even if they cannot come and stand in front of an altar of human sacrifice they can pray from

home, pray in their car on the way work, pray in the shower, etc. Many of them have never prayed to

end abortion.

If they’re not praying to end human suffering when they’re in church – why are they attending church?

Exactly who is being served in these buildings that have all the forms of godliness? The Bible talks about

this too, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of

their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are

good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. Having a form of

godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” - 2 Timothy 3:1-5

As I go through that list I’m guilty myself! And certainly abortion falls within the “without natural

affection” warning. Mothers and fathers are supposed to love their children. And Priests and Pastors are

supposed to love God more than they love their congregation. How many pastors are silent on abortion

for fear of offending sinners in the pews? I think most Americans fall short when it comes to being

“lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God.” Imagine if Christians were as dedicated to serving God as

they are to sports, playing video games, and watching television.

The average American watches approximately 5 hours of television every day. That’s incredible

commitment – to self!

The solution to end our separation from God (and abortion) is very simple, “If my people, which are

called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked

ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles

7:14

-Steve

Steven Lopez

Spiritus Films

Cell: 832.882.3825

www.spiritusfilms.com