Bishop Paul, Orthodox Christian clergy and faithful participate in March for Life Chicago
CHICAGO, IL [MW Diocese Communications] — His Grace, Bishop Paul of Chicago and the Midwest was among the religious and civic leaders who addressed thousands bearing witness to the sanctity of life during Chicago’s annual March for Life on Sunday afternoon, January 14, 2018.
Despite frigid weather and impending snow, an estimated 6,000-plus pro-life advocates — many of them Orthodox Christians from across the region — gathered in Federal Plaza for the program that preceded the March.
Among those joining Bishop Paul on the platform were Roman Catholic Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of Chicago and Bishop Donald J. Hying of Gary, IN; Interim Pastor Ed Stetzer of Moody Church; Congressmen Peter Roskam and Dan Lipinski; Pat McCaskey, co-owner of the Chicago Bears; and Sarah Storto, Vice President of Loyola Students for Life and Students for Life of Illinois Intern. Ramona Trevino, the widely known Former Planned Parenthood Director and Author of Redeemed by Grace, delivered the keynote address, while Sheila Liaugminas, host of Relevant Radio talk show “A Closer Look,” served as Emcee.
At the conclusion of the pre-March program, the marchers made their way through the heart of Chicago’s Loop before returning to Federal Plaza for closing ceremonies.
According to a press release issued before the event, the March for Life Chicago expects lawmakers to respect all life and to follow the rules they themselves designed, not break them on the backs of the unborn — a reference to the latest legal action involving the controversial HB 40 abortion law that forces Illinois state taxpayers to pay for tens of thousands of abortions in the new year.
“The March for Life Chicago expects lawmakers to respect all life and to follow the rules they themselves designed, not break them on the backs of the unborn,” said Dawn Fitzpatrick, March for Life Chicago Board of Directors President. “All who attend the March for Life Chicago, the Board of Directors, and our supporters from across the business and religious community, are vehemently opposed to this horrific law. We are appalled that Governor Rauner went against his word and his promise to veto this bill.”
The March for Life Chicago is an annual public event composed of people from diverse ethnic, social, and religious backgrounds dedicated to defending and protecting all human life. The event marks with deep sadness the great tragedy of the legalization of abortion in the United States along with the devastating social, moral, and legal consequences that have followed. Marching together in hope, the March for Life Chicago calls upon government, religious, civic, and community leaders to renew every effort to build a 
nation that affirms the authentic dignity of women, the gift of children, and a culture dedicated to protecting life at every stage of development.
For many years, the Orthodox Church in America’s Diocese of the Midwest has been one of the March’s sponsors. Priest Herman Kincaid, Rector of Saints Peter and Paul Church, Burr Ridge, IL, serves as the Diocese’s representative to Orthodox Christians for Life Chicago.
Additional information on March for Life Chicago and a related video are available on the organization’s web site.
Bishop Paul’s full remarks given at the opening ceremony may be read, here.
