By Irene F. Starkehaus -
Dr. Eric M. Wallace and The Freedom's Journal Institute sponsored a symposium discussing abortion's devastating effects on society entitled In Defense of Life: Why All Lives Matter in Tinley, Park Illinois on Friday, July 31.
Morning presentations came from Pastor Ceasar LaFlore of New Community Church, Rev. John Morales of the Film 40, Emily Zender of Illinois Right to Life and Rev. Brian Walker of Prolife Action Series. Speakers focused on the state of the prolife movement in Illinois and the United States and opportunities for advancing the prolife agenda.
Rev. LaFlore emphasized prospects for changing the hearts and minds of pro-abort voters drawing connections to the "Black Lives Matter" movement that arose out of police brutality cases that have been erupting around the country. Rev. LaFlore underscored that Margaret Sanger and Planned Parenthood have damaged Black communities at a higher rate than the KKK has and called for an end to the "abortion holocaust" that ravages communities.
Rev. Brian Walker focused his comments on his efforts to train sidewalk counselors who stand outside of abortion mills like Planned Parenthood and guide women regarding alternatives to having abortions. He believes that those sidewalk counselors are often the last voice of reason before they enter abortion clinics. He hopes to recruit more people of color to these positions because such a large number of aborted babies come from the Black, Hispanic and Asian communities.
Emily Zender spoke personally about a girl who contacted her about alternatives to abortion. The young woman was being pressured to end her baby's life and she needed help maneuvering through her rights to not abort. Ms. Zender's emphasis was on the education of women, electing prolife candidates and defunding Planned Parenthood.
Matt Batzel of American Majority was also on hand to discuss the importance the prolife movement and how to politically organize in an effort to make better social policies. Mr. Batzel gave the audience advice about opportunities for progressing the prolife message. He covered topics like the power of social media in sharing ideas. He also offered advice for recruiting and training volunteers.
Afternoon speakers are scheduled to include Gov. Mike Huckabee and Dr. Ben Carson. Both men are candidates for president in 2016.
