I am currently traveling through Africa while this episode of The PassionLife Podcast comes to you. As you read this, please remember the trip in your prayers. We are facing many challenges as we journey through Liberia, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. This episode is also being released just days before Sanctity of Human Life Sunday in America, an event I am missing while in Africa.
While I usually have speaking engagements at churches for this important Sunday, this year, I was invited to speak at my own church on January 19th, 2025, for Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. However, due to my travels, I won’t be able to attend. Thankfully, another speaker will address the adults during Sunday school, and a representative from our local pregnancy help center in Winston-Salem will be present during the service. Our church truly emphasizes the significance of Sanctity of Human Life.
This year marks the 41st anniversary of Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. It was first proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1984, in recognition of the 11th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton decisions that legalized abortion in America. These decisions were issued on January 22nd, 1973. That year, January 22nd, also marked the 11th anniversary of the legalization of abortion in America. President Reagan urged American citizens to gather in places of worship and in their homes to remember the 15 million Americans who had lost their lives due to the injustice of abortion since the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision.
President Reagan reminded us that our nation was not only poorer for the absence of these individuals and the potential contributions they would have made but also for the desensitization we had undergone over 11 years, diminishing the value of human life by making abortion commonplace and acceptable.
Thankfully, Roe v. Wade was overturned after 49 years, and Christians have consistently come together, day after day and year after year, particularly around Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, which falls around the third Sunday of January. It’s observed near Martin Luther King Jr. weekend and the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision. This year, in 2025, Sanctity of Human Life Sunday falls on the 19th.
Sanctity of Human Life Sunday often coincides with the March for Life in Washington, D.C. This year, the March for Life will be held on January 24th. Bethany Hamilton, a famous professional surfer and outspoken Christian who advocates for life, will be one of the keynote speakers. She lost her arm in a shark attack while living in Hawaii. It will certainly be impactful to hear her speak at the March for Life.
Even though I am in Africa, I encourage you to pay attention to how your church chooses to address, or not address, the significance of Sanctity of Human Life Sunday on January 19th. Will your church:
- Acknowledge the day?
- Invite speakers?
- Mention it during the sermon or announcements?
- Incorporate it into their missions initiative through partnership with a local pregnancy help center?
- Avoid the topic altogether due to fear of losing donations, members, or facing criticism?
At PassionLife, we recognize the difficulty pastors face when discussing abortion. The topic is intertwined with politics and personal experiences, often leaving pastors feeling paralyzed and unsure how to approach it. However, the prevalence and significance of this issue demand attention. It was a central topic in recent elections, driving people to voice their opinions through their votes. Therefore, there is no justification for pastors to remain silent about this preeminent moral and biblical crisis in our society. Observe how your church handles Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. If they choose to ignore it, it’s your right to inquire why.
Consider sending a letter to the elder board, questioning their intentional decision to disregard the issue and allow the culture to dominate the conversation.
On Friday, January 24th, during the March for Life, pay attention to the coverage, or lack thereof, from local and national news networks. Despite being one of the largest annual gatherings in America, the media consistently overlooks it. While attendance has decreased since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, it is not because the issue is less important. Many feel that the initial goal of the March for Life has been achieved.
However, there is still much work to be done, particularly at the state level, to make abortion unthinkable in our nation. The March for Life remains strong, drawing hundreds of thousands of participants, which should warrant media attention. Observe whether you see any news coverage on Friday and take note of the media’s attempts to ignore it.
If you are unsure how to approach your pastor if your church remains silent, PassionLife offers resources to help. We have a compelling article titled, “The Moral Crisis of Abortion and World Missions: What’s the Connection?” written by our president, John Ener, specifically for pastors. This article presents the abortion issue from a theological and missiological perspective, providing pastors with a framework for discussion.
Another resource is our guide on Becoming an Ambassador for PassionLife. This resource, if made available with your church staff’s permission, offers numerous ideas for engaging with PassionLife and the sanctity of human life movement.
We encourage you to consider hosting a “Storming the Strongholds” event. PassionLife staff members, including myself, John, Tammy, Sarah, or others, are willing to travel to your town or city and speak to a group from your church in your living room. Invite 12 to 20 people, offer some refreshments, and allow us to share encouraging stories about God’s work through the prayer life movement worldwide.
We are also open to speaking with your pastor, having lunch, or addressing your church directly. We are committed to developing church partnerships and introducing PassionLife’s work to your missions pastor or committee.
There are opportunities to rally at the state level and transform the pro-life movement from a theoretical concept into tangible action. Engage in activities that support women, families, and babies facing challenging situations.
As we approach Sanctity of Human Life Sunday and Month, I urge you to be mindful of what you hear and, more importantly, what you don’t hear. Consider how freely politicians discussed abortion in recent months and observe how your church leaders address it on this significant day. If your church’s involvement in the pro-life movement concerns you, PassionLife has resources available. We are eager to speak with you, your pastor, and pray with you. Our US branch of PassionLife is dedicated to supporting you in this endeavor.
Visit our website at passionlife.org and help spread the word during Sanctity of Human Life Week and Month. Let us work together to uphold the sanctity of human life.