Claims that the Archdiocese of Adelaide had banned 40 Days for Life have proved to be incorrect, with confirmation the State will host the pro-life campaign commencing next week.
In September 2013, various internet sources claimed 40 Days for Life had been banned from the Archdiocese, but campaign organiser Alan Tyson told The Record that was not the case.
“Along with the previous campaign director, [my wife and I] met recently with the Adelaide Archdiocesan Vicar General who affirmed Archbishop Wilson’s commitment to the protection of life,” he said.
“The meeting was very cordial and productive, and resolved a couple of misunderstandings.
“Pro-lifers generally agree this is the most difficult ministry in the Church, and requires all the support the Church can provide.”
Claims that the Archdiocese had banned the pro-life campaign were based on a letter distributed to parishes in September written by Adelaide’s Vicar General Fr Philip Marshall.
The letter stated that the “Archdiocese speaks with a united voice under the leadership of Archbishop Wilson and our message and structures of accountability are clear”.
“This is not always so among other organisations that nevertheless share our deep concerns for the protection of life and the unborn,” the letter continued.
“For this reason, Archbishop Wilson asks that you do not publicise in our church bulletins the material you may receive from time to time from 40 Days for Life or other similar organisation, but that you continue to make our commitment to life very clear through prayer and action in your parishes and communities”.
In South Australia, about 5,000 Medicare-funded abortions are performed annually, according to official figures.
The 40 Days for Life campaign in the State will be based outside an abortion clinic in Woodville Park, which has been operating for more than two decades.
Meanwhile, pro-lifers in Tasmania won’t be hosting the 40 Days for Life campaign, three months after legislation passed in the State making it an offence to pray within 150 metres of an abortion clinic.
Forty Days for Life campaigns are held in more than 20 countries each year, during Lent and September. The first campaign was held in 2004 in the United States.