Archdiocese to Mark Roe v Wade Anniversary with Conference

As the United States marks the 40th anniversary of the Supreme Court decision of Roe v. Wade, which ensured abortion’s legality in all 50 states, more than 55 million unborn children have been aborted in the country. To evaluate and bolster efforts to build a Culture of Life in the United States, from conception until natural death, the Archdiocese of Detroit on Jan. 26 will host hundreds of attendees at its third annual Life is a Gift conference at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit.

“Roe versus Wade has done women no favors. In the Catholic Church, we are focused on the dignity of life – and it goes to the very heart of Catholic social teaching,” said Judith Maten, director of evangelization and catechesis for the Archdiocese of Detroit, who will emcee the conference. “This conference gives us a vital opportunity to recommit ourselves to the truths we profess about life – especially as much of secular society, and even the government, oppose our ideals. People look to the Catholic Church and its teachings to inform their own thinking.”

The all-day conference begins at 7:30 a.m. with a liturgy celebrated by Detroit Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron, and also will feature keynote addresses from Kimberly Young, interim superintendent of schools for the Archdiocese of Detroit; Dr. Peter Kreeft, a well-known Catholic apologist and author; and Father Alex Kratz, a Franciscan priest who serves as evangelization coordinator for the Archdiocese. The Knights of Columbus will present awards to winners of a pro-life student essay contest.

For a detailed schedule of the third annual Life is a Gift conference, visit www.aod.org/lifeisagift. Sacred Heart Major Seminary is located at 2701 Chicago Boulevard in Detroit. Reporters interested in covering the event can call the Archdiocese Public Relations Office at 313-237-5802 for further details.