Scottish Catholic Observer

The group will be mounting peaceful prayer vigils outside four Scottish hospitals where abortions take place.

Bishop Robson has released a letter asking Catholics in his diocese to ‘consider joining those who have pledged their prayer time for the protection of unborn children,’ and to ‘pledge some time to pray for the protection of innocent Life in the womb this Lent.’

He said the 40 Days for Life movement, which originated in the USA, had ‘rapidly swept the Catholic World,’ and said the issue of abortion was a live one in Scotland today as 2017 ‘marks the 50th anniversary of the passing of the Abortion Act.’ He added: “Shortly, the Scottish Parliament will have competence for matters relating to abortion and so this prayer initiative will help us focus our Lenten prayer this year in this particular direction.”

The bishop also praised the organiser of the Dundee 40 Days for Life campaign Pat Dowey.

“Since the passing of the Abortion Act in 1967, more than 500,000 babies in Scotland alone have lost their lives as a result of abortion,” Ms Dowey said. “Last year in Scotland 12,082 babies died as a result of abortion and 11,877 of these were aborted on social grounds. These were all children created in the image and likeness of God, just like you and me, so what can we do to begin to restore respect for the sanctity of Life? God has given us a powerful weapon: Prayer!

“Last year, Glasgow held the first 40 Days for Life prayer campaign in Scotland. Now in 2017, which sees the 50th anniversary of the passing of the Abortion Act, all four major Scottish cities—Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee—will be holding a 40 Days for Life campaign during Lent, and here in our own diocese of Dunkeld we have been greatly encouraged by the support of our Bishop.”

She also hit back at media reports that have tired to ‘blacken this prayer campaign by describing it as a politically motivated protest.’

“I would like to emphasise that 40 Days for Life is neither a protest nor a demonstration and we will not be engaging in any debates,” she said. “Neither will we impede anyone in any way from going about their business, let alone disturb visitors to the hospital. We are simply there to pray, nothing else. The local police have been informed of our intentions and have been supportive, especially of our plans for everyone taking part to sign a statement of peace.”

Ahead of the protests, which began around the country on Ash Wednesday, those involved with 40 Days for Life held events last Saturday in Dundee and in Glasgow’s Geore Sqaure (above).

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This story ran in full in the March 3 edition print of the SCO, available in parishes.