Many years ago,Asa cub attorney,I did a trial for operation rescue pro bono.

this was with a "sane" group that had had kicked the more,Uhm, drastic folks who did things like jump I front of vehicles out of their leadership (when I asked one of the ones who wasn't charged that day about testifying about that, I got a "that mightnot be a good idea.". Why? "I was one of the ones Latin in front of cars." :L)

Anyway, we achieved thenewdefinitionof "moral victory."

these folks understood that they actually couldn't stop a mother from killing her child,and got that across. They were hoping for a chance to talk.

By this more sedate approach, three mothers declined to kill four children . . .

the judges changed from hostile (pet cause was batterd women; she thought this was similar) to sympathetic; the jury felt bad about convicting.

She allowed them to serve their sentences without probation(we all knew they'd do it again, which was why they wouldn't agree to probation)--in pro-life community service! (as long as it wasnt illegal)

the city attorney was livid about this . . .

I then got called into chambers to be asked about taking on the next trial, as the attorney volunteeriing had "issues".

I told the judge that we could probably resolve it on the same terms as the trial we'd just done.

The city attorney again went ballistic, but we plead the out on"indicated sentences"ov the CA's objectin.

Also, this group was quite insistent on attorneys not getting involved in the rescues themselves. (the two factors of being more useful defending, and the heightened consequences for an attorney involved such things)

As it turned out, after first declining to take the second trial because I couldn't handle another week's overehead while being out of the office, it was a Baptist minister who drew one account to cover it-and nsisted on still dog softer the plea bargain.

Hawk

Reverend Father Deacon Paul definitely "walks the walk"

See Eastern Catholic Pro Life on facebook ...

As for the Orthodox - I'm not sure that is a fair characterization that they believe abortion is in the bedroom.

Everything I've seen shows they are decidedly Pro Life.

What may shock everyone is how low the census numbers are for the Orthodox Church (some have estimated that the OCA only really has about 400,000 members - a large difference with what they claim)

Because of the low numbers you may not see meny Orthodox -

You also won't see a lot of Lutherans either - their numbers are so low compared to Latin Catholics.

Just a theory and based on personal observation in attending Pro Life rally's

Not to beat a dead horse or go off on a tangent.. but (here I go!).. 400,000 members? I've read accurate numbers for OCA in 2006 are 41,000 (and 20,000 actively tithing) members. This is pre-scandal.

you could very well be right ... their numbers are low - for such a vocal group as they are.

I made a mistake in this posting ... I was quoting Greek Orthodox Church (about 400,000 in USA) not OCA - which is more like 30,000 to 40,000 members nationwide

This may be why there are not large crowds at the Pro Life Rally's

The major point I was trying to make (except for this numbers diversion) is - every Orthodox person I've ever talked to is PRO LIFE.

They may have differences about when is it OK to use birth control (pre or preventative conception birth control vs abortifactants) but once there is conception - I think they are all in the camp of NO ABORTIONS

correct me if I'm wrong

For what its worth, I have never seen an Orthodox Christian in any Pro-Life rally I have attended. Yes, I have attended several.

What rock have you been living under? Here in Northeastern Pennsylvania Orthodox clergymen have been proactive and very visible in the prolife community. I wish our Eastern Catholic priests would follow suit.

My priest is very active in this.

Glory to Jesus Christ!

Let's not succumb to our Slav weakness of bringing others down, but rather let's follow the Apostle Paul's advice and raise each other up. God knows that we in the Eastern Churches struggle just to overcome anonymity.

Through the icons we have a unique way of presenting our Creators plan for respect for life from the womb to the tomb. For example, the Annunciation confirms that life begins at conception, reinforced by the Visitation of Mary with Elizabeth. The Dormition represents respect for NATURAL death with life afterward. Christ's meetings with the Adulterous Woman and the Samaritan Woman reflect accepting the fallen back into the Church after repentance.

We can use these holy teaching aids to complement our Roman brothers activist approach and our Evangelical brothers unique political approach.

We need each other in the spiritual warfare in which we are engaged and we all have our own unique gifts to offer.

Fr Deacon Paul

Well said Father Deacon Paul!

Ray - that is the reason I quoted numbers

Compared to Protestants and Latin Catholics both the Orthodox churches (all combined) and the Eastern Catholics are extremely small in number so it would be rare to find them at rallies (or at least the probability is low) - just based on their small numbers. (low numbers Contrary to popular belief)

By the way - I've been allowed to chant an entire Akathist to the Theotokos at Abortion Rallies so even the protestants are open to prayers of various faiths at the Rallies.

Ask them to come - they will show up!