Rally will mark 'Years of Tears'

The Christian Coalition of New York is inviting Catholics to what they hope will be the largest gathering of pro-life New Yorkers in this decade.

On April 28, they will sponsor a prayer vigil and rally on the steps of the State Capitol with the theme "25 Years of Tears."

The title refers to the 25th anniversary of the "Roe vs. Wade" Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion. Organizer Jeff Baran, state executive director for the Christian Coalition, said that the theme is as "stark and dramatic" as the reality of abortion itself.

Millions mourned

"Thirty-six million babies have perished, and there are 36 million potential moms out there who have suffered," he stated, adding that New York State legalized abortion three years before the Roe vs. Wade decision.

Mr. Baran told The Evangelist that while the Christian Coalition is the primary sponsor for the vigil and rally, several other pro-life, statewide groups have expressed their support for the idea.

He cited an "informal alliance" of groups that meet regularly to discuss pro-life issues, including the State Catholic Conference, the State Right to Life Committee, and New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedom.

Solemn time

He termed the upcoming event a "solemn" one, beginning around noon with an interdenominational prayer vigil on the Capitol steps. Both religious and secular pro-life leaders are expected to speak, followed by a time for participants to lobby their legislators, primarily on the issue of partial-birth abortion.

Rally organizers hope that the day will "rekindle interest in the abortion issue, and show the legislators that there is an interest out there, and it's not an issue they should run away from," said Mr. Baran. "This is an important election year. We hope to push the legislative leaders a little. We hope we have some candidates that stand up for life."

("25 Years of Tears" will be held on April 28, noon-2 p.m. on the steps of the State Capitol. For more information, call 1-888-855-9027.)

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