The battle for life rages on in Colorado. As the so-called Right to Abortion amendment heads to the ballot this November, stakes are high. The proposed amendment would go much too far in prohibiting any reasonable restrictions on abortion in perpetuity by enshrining a “right to abortion” in Colorado’s foundational document, banning parental notification requirements for minors, allowing for taxpayer money to fund abortion for in-state and out-of-state pregnant women and banning restrictions on late abortions.
Amid the bleak landscape, there is a group of individuals, groups, churches and communities that have come together to be a city on a hill, shedding light in the darkness. Pro-Life Colorado, a coalition of pro-life groups in Colorado, has been working to advocate for life at the local and state levels in the legislature, courts and community.
Quite possibly the first time Colorado has seen such a unified effort for life, Pro-Life Colorado has hit the ground running since their founding in 2023. The coalition sponsored a Rally for Life on the anniversary of the Reproductive Health Equity Act (RHEA) in 2023. Barely a year old, it partnered with the National March for Life organization to host Colorado’s largest March for Life earlier this year, with 4,000 people in attendance.
“We placed our trust in the Lord and did the work we needed to do to promote it, and it all came together in a powerful moment on the west steps of the Capitol,” said Lauren Castillo, chair of the Pro-Life Colorado Action Committee. “I saw the mountains in front of me, and it was gorgeous. It reminded me of the line in the Scriptures that says we are a city on the hill, and we have a light to shine forth to the world, even when it feels dark and heavy.”
The hope, joy and devotion of the pro-life community certainly shone forth in the nearly 4,000-person march through downtown Denver. Men, women and children of many generations, cultures, faiths, communities and abilities gathered to witness to the gift of life as lawmakers looked down from the Capitol’s balcony.
Since the March for Life, Pro-Life Colorado has continued its efforts to stand up for life, especially with the so-called Right to Abortion amendment heading to ballots. Through member organizations’ daily efforts in pregnancy resource centers, pro-life ministries, parishes and faith communities, a culture of life is slowly being built across the state.
“Building a culture of life in our communities and parishes involves creating an environment in which the dignity and sanctity of human life is respected and protected in all stages,” said Jeannine Duffield, director of Respect Life Denver, a ministry of Catholic Charities of Denver. “It involves ensuring that every person can have a dignified life regardless of their age, condition or circumstances. Once we start remembering that every person is a precious gift from God that deserves loving care, the culture of life becomes a place for all of us.”
Building such a culture is a tall order. It cannot be done by one person, group or community; it requires everyone. Though many are already engaged in the work for life, all are called to join in God’s work of building up a culture of life, Castillo shared.
“I always tell people that we open up our Bibles, and we get to the end, and we know that the Lord and his plans are triumphant,” Castillo continued. “So, to enter into this movement, everyone in the pro-life movement should know that God is on our side, and if he is with us, who can be against us? It doesn’t mean that it’s not hard here, and it doesn’t mean that we don’t have stuff against us. Everyone has a role to play in this movement in Colorado.”
Though the landscape might appear bleak and the challenges steep, it’s important to remember the “why” of the pro-life movement in Colorado – and everywhere – Duffield said.
“First and foremost, it’s living out our faith,” she said. “Our faith calls us to love and serve others, especially the most vulnerable among us. So, engaging in respect life activities is how we are to be Christ’s hands and feet in the world. Secondly, it helps to create a supportive society. We all want to live in a place where there is a compassionate and just society for everyone, and we have to help create that. Lastly, we’re called to inspire future generations. When we commit to these causes, we set an example for future generations who learn from our actions.”
No matter the “why” that resonates with each, all are called to engage in building a culture of life from the ground up. That is, all Christians and people of goodwill are called to work so that “every person can have a dignified life regardless of their age, condition or circumstances,” as Duffield said.
Recognizing the different ways that individuals can participate in the work of building a culture of life, Castillo recommended each discern how they are being called to engage in the work of life.
“It doesn’t have to look the same for everybody,” she said. “God made us as individuals, and maybe some are called to step into activism, prayer and fasting, public witness, building the infrastructure, engaging in legislative work, community engagement or education. It really boils down to committing to take one action for life this fall.”
“Everybody has a part to play in this, and God’s work won’t be done if anyone is missing,” Duffield added. “We’re all needed in the Body of Christ. So, your role, whether you believe it’s big or small, is important. It’s vital to getting this work accomplished. It’s only by all of us doing this together that we can make any substantial change in this world that we live in. The small things do matter.”
Ways YOU can get involved:
1. Pray
Whether it’s going to Mass, praying a rosary or spending time in Eucharistic Adoration, spend time with the Lord to discern how he’s calling you to get involved and to intercede for the most vulnerable among us.
2. Get Educated
Dive a bit deeper and check out some of the many great resources out there to learn more about the pro-life movement and how to advocate for life! The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), EWTN, Love Unleashes Life and Live Action might be good places to start.
3. Take one action for life
Take the first step and get involved. It might not be the right step for you right away, but give it a shot! Sign up for a pro-life newsletter, participate in a prayer group, join a respect life ministry or volunteer with Catholic Charities. Whatever it is, take that first step and listen to the Holy Spirit.
Ways YOUR PARISH can get involved:
1. Pray
Dedicate time to praying for life as a parish community. Whether that’s a special Mass, Holy Hour or other prayer gathering, be sure to incorporate life into your parish’s prayer.
2. Engage
Invite parishioners to come together not only in prayer but also in action. Diaper, back-to-school and other drives are great ways to engage the community. Don’t be afraid to get creative and find new ways to bring people together for life!
3. Collaborate
Consider integrating pro-life efforts into each of your parish’s ministries. Maybe the youth group can visit a local nursing home to honor our elders. Perhaps a moms’ group can mentor women in difficult pregnancies through Marisol Health, a ministry of Catholic Charities. Maybe the bereavement group can volunteer with Mount Olivet’s Precious Lives ministry. However it looks, integrating pro-life efforts into the life of the parish will only strengthen a culture of life!
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