April 10, 2008

Boy Scouts Volunteer for Respect Life Movement

By George J. Kuehl

Members of Boy Scout Troop 274 along with other volunteers turned out on Saturday, March 29 to place 50 crosses on the lawn at Holy Rosary Church. The 50 crosses represent the nearly 50 million babies aborted since 1973 according to Respect Life member, Peter McCann.

According to McCann, the idea is to create a hallowed ground where the crosses pay silent tribute to the hundreds of unborn babies that are killed each year in Memphis.

"Our goal is to make a statement about abortion and to provide an opportunity for passers-by to take notice and perhaps offer a prayer for these children", said McCann.

Every Saturday, The Respect Life Committee at Holy Rosary makes a pilgrimage to the three abortion clinics in Memphis. They do not confront visitors to the clinics, but instead pray the Rosary at each location.

"Generally, we are joined by members of other churches and organizations who take the opportunity of our presence at the clinics to offer literature about abortion", said McCann. While the different organizations and faith groups do work in unison, the Holy Rosary Respect Life Committee does not attempt to make contact with visitors to the clinics. "Often, the other groups that are there do attempt to dialogue with the clinic visitors. In fact some of the others have trained counselors in their groups. Our mission is to use prayer and our presence to make Memphis an abortion-free city."

The crosses will be on the front lawn of Holy Rosary Church on Park Avenue in East Memphis until Saturday, April 12. Anyone wanting to join the efforts of the Respect Life Committee at Holy Rosary can contact Peter McCann at 901-761-5128.