Internnational Life Chains Proclaim Right to Life of the Pre-born
Up to a million Christians in approximately 1 500 locations worldwide took part in the various Life Chains this 2 October, International Life ChainSunday. Over 130 Christians formed a Life Chain to proclaim the sanctity of life in Cape Town. Life Chains also took place in 4 other cities in South Africa: Polokwane (Pietersburg), Johannesburg, Durban, and East London. The Life Chain in Bloemfontein is this Saturday (8 October).
The Life Chain is an international prayer rally and peaceful pro-life placard witness seeking to "speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves" (Proverbs 31:8).
931 248 children are missing in South Africa - missing because they were never born. According to official Department of Health statistics, 931 248 babies have been killed by abortion in South Africa since abortion-on-demand was legalised in 1997.
The Christian Action Network believes however, that this number could be well over a million - due to outstanding statistics from some provinces in previous years and a possible failure of some hospital officials to accurately record abortions in state hospitals.
In a Sunday Times article (25 September), Department of Health spokesperson Fidel Hadebe said in 2010 more than 21 700 abortions were performed at public hospitals around the country last year, while the private clinics of Marie Stopes performed 51 185.
Also significant is the likely hundreds of thousands of illegal abortions that have taken place since 1997 by backstreet abortionists. These illegal abortionists operate with impunity in virtually every city and town in South Africa - due to the failure of police and city officials to investigate, or make any arrests.
It can confidently be contended that there are now more illegal abortions occurring than there were before abortion was legalised. This is ironic as the main reason touted for the legalisation of abortion by the ANC was to provide 'safe' abortions. More women are having abortions now than ever before. This is exactly what the Christian Action Network warned about in its submissions to Parliament - that the legalisation of abortion would increase the demand.
We grieve for the millions of babies aborted. They are precious children made in the image of God.
We grieve too, with the mothers and fathers who are experiencing the physical and psychological consequences of abortion. We want to encourage them that there is forgiveness and healing available through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.
The abortion holocaust will have a significant economic impact on this nation - we are killing our future work force - with tax payers' money! One day there will be more people on pension than paying taxes.
The Life Chains recognise the abortion holocaust as one of the greatest evils being committed in the world today.
It is an urgent priority for the Church to expose, oppose, and end this holocaust of children made in the image of God.
Since 1987 Life Chains have been held in the USA, and since 1992 Africa Christian Action has organised Life Chains in South Africa. This was the 19 th Life Chain held in Cape Town.
Bloemfontein: Saturday, 8 October, 10.00am to 12.00pm, on sidewalk outside Mimosa Mall, start in parking lot south of Brandwag Shopping Centre. Contact Dr Faan Oosthuizen - 083 265 9395 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
"Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering towards slaughter." Proverbs 24:11
NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR LIFE FORUM
Taryn Hodgson represented the Christian Action Network at the National Alliance for Life Forum on Saturday 1 October with delegates from Christians for Truth, Doctors for Life, Health Care Fellowship, Africa Cares for Life, Radio Khwezi, Good News Community Radio, various crisis pregnancy centres, and pastors and members of pro-life congregations.
Dr Albu van Eerden, CEO of Doctors for Life, reminded the delegates that unity in the pro-life movement is essential to influence the nation and to lay the foundations for removing the abortion legislation.
ACDP Member of Parliament Cheryllyn Dudley informed the NAL members that the new Minister of Health is more open to discussing pro-life issues than previous ministers. Last year the ACDP had put forward a Private Members Bill to amend the Abortion Act. The Private Members Bill states that counselling prior to an abortion must spell out the risks and alternatives. The Bill was rejected by Parliament.
Taryn challenged the delegates on the need for national repentance for the national sin of abortion. The 1 st of February every year is the National Day of Repentance. This is also the anniversary of the legalisation of abortion. All Christians are encouraged to observe this day as a day of prayer and fasting for the national sin of abortion. Taryn further challenged the delegates to mobilise more pastors to observe Sanctity Life Sunday (29 January 2012). Pastors are encouraged to preach on the sanctity of life on this day or to invite a pro-life speaker.
A pro-life representative from your ministry or congregation is invited to attend next year's National Alliance for Life Forum in Durban (Saturday, 6 October 2012).
We invite all pro-life groups and pro-life representatives from churches in the Western Cape to a National Alliance for Life meeting before Sanctity Life Sunday and the National Day of Repentance 2012. Please contact us if you are interested in attending.
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Africa Christian Action
PO Box 23632
Claremont
7735 Cape Town
South Africa
Tel: 021-689 4481
E-mail:
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Web: http://www.christianaction.org.za/