THE SACRED LITURGY –IV WEEK IN LENT Passiontide

Link to today’s Scripture readings for Holy Mass and the Divine Office

The Holy Father’s prayer intention for the month

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Statement on the vote on clause 208 of the Crime and Policing Bill, in the House of Lords
 
I am deeply distressed by the decision by the House of Lords to reject Baroness Monckton’s amendment to remove clause 208 from the Crime and Policing Bill. The clause decriminalises on-demand abortion up to birth in England and Wales in some circumstances. This move is likely to lead to more late-term abortions putting pregnant women and their babies at risk. Many women could likely also face even greater risks of isolation, coercion, and pressure.
 
I am grateful to all the Parliamentarians and advocates who have worked courageously to protect mothers and their unborn children from this move.
 
I also recognise the many organisations who accompany women with practical support when faced with an unexpected pregnancy. The genuine hope they provide is now more urgent than ever. As we prepare to face this challenge, I encourage the faithful to support them in practical ways, including through prayer.
 
Inspired by the example of the Holy Family, let us continue to defend the dignity of both the child in the womb and the mother.
 
Archbishop John Sherrington, Lead Bishop for Life Issues
Archbishop of Liverpool
 

In a devastating moment for our country, the House of Lords has voted for an amendment which would legalise abortion up to birth.

In reaction to this tragic news, Southwark’s Archbishop John Wilson said:

“This is a truly tragic moment for our nation. How can this frightening legislation, which, following Royal Assent, will permit the abortion of children right up until the moment of birth for any reason, have any place in a civilised society? We can never underestimate the challenges that women and men encounter facing difficult decisions. There is, however, another life involved which is now to be ignored and silenced. There are also serious concerns for the safety of women. While there is an even more difficult journey now to protect the unborn child, we must continue to speak up for the voiceless and work to protect the most vulnerable who are no longer protected by the law.

“As Christians, we affirm that each of us is loved by God and each of us is made in God’s image and likeness. Our innate human dignity is not something granted at birth, but exists from the moment of conception. The increasing advances that allow babies born prematurely to live full and happy lives stands in stark contrast to this legislation. This is fundamentally a matter of justice and this legislation, which favours some lives over others, increases inequality in our society.”

You can support the campaign against this terrifying legislation by visiting https://righttolife.org.uk/

St Joseph, protector of expecting mothers and unborn children, pray for us.

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