The Diocesan Respect Life Office is sponsoring two big pro-life conferences this month in the hopes of enkindling a more vibrant culture of life in Hawaii.
The Catholics Affirming Life Symposium: Session 1, for priests, deacons and religious, is 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Feb. 25, at St. Stephen Diocesan Center in Kaneohe.
The Catholics Affirming Life Symposium: Session 2, for laypersons, is 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Feb. 27, at the Kroc Center Hawaii, 91-3257 Kualakai Parkway in Kapolei.
Both events are free.
The goal of the conferences is to foster dialogue among clergy, lay leaders and the wider community about innovative ways to combat the devaluation of human life in today’s complicated culture.
“We need a rally, a gathering, to promote the respect life part of our church,” said Deacon Walter Yoshimitsu, director of the Respect Life Office.
“Clergy are afraid to talk about abortion,” he said, “but you got to speak the truth. The conference will encourage them to speak on life issues.”
Deacon Yoshimitsu hopes the symposium will result in more Catholic clergy and laity “planning strategies to build a culture of life.” That would include participation in such projects as “40 Days for Life,” a community-based campaign which fights abortion through prayer, vigils at abortion clinics and community outreach.
Conference speakers will be announced soon. The event is also being planned for a number of neighbor islands.
A complementary continental breakfast and lunch will be served.
Call Paulette Vernay of the Respect Life Office, 203-6722, if you plan to attend.
