ARCHBISHOP John Bathersby has signalled the importance of the abortion issue for Queensland by devoting his Advent pastoral letter to the topic.
At the heart of his decision to choose the topic, he says, is his concern about the much-condemned abortion laws adopted in Victoria, and the knowledge that similar laws could just as easily be enacted in Queensland.
The archbishop gives clear guidance in how we can respond to this attitude to life – prayer and practical backing of organisations involved in supporting women who may be feeling the pressure to have an abortion.
This is a not the kind of message we may have been used to expecting in our preparations for the celebration of the birth of Christ, but it’s one that reaches to the heart of what it means to value God’s gift of life.
PETER BUGDEN
Editor