Candlelight ceremony calls for end to abortion

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A children’s choir opened Wednesday evening’s Right to Life ceremony on the steps of the Decatur County courthouse. The group sang “Amazing Grace.” Brent Brown

January 24, 2013

Candlelight ceremony calls for end to abortion

Brent Brown Greensburg Daily News The Greensburg Daily News Thu Jan 24, 2013, 05:56 PM EST

Greensburg — A day removed from the 40th anniversary of the landmark Roe v Wade court decision, more than 250 pro-lifers gathered in remembrance of the lives ended in its aftermath.

The Decatur County Right to Life’s annual candlelight ceremony saw a huge crowd brave bitterly cold temperatures on the courthouse steps Wednesday evening, as they decried a Supreme Court decision that has divided a nation for four decades.

And those who attended left no doubt as to where they stood on the issue.

New Point Christian Church Pastor Mark Vice, filling in for guest speaker Eileen Hartman who had to cancel due to laryngitis, called abortion “a demonic, sordid evil,” and he asked God to forgive the United States for legalizing it. In a fiery speech that sounded much like a Sunday morning sermon, Pastor Vice encouraged those in attendance to take a stand against abortion, calling it “man’s arrogance toward the gift of God.”

Vice said all have the choice “to kill or to spare life,” and stated that God Himself is pro-life.

“America, here is your right to choose,” the pastor said, gesturing to an open infant casket.

Vice’s speech was well-received by the crowd, some of whom shouted “amen” and “bless you, Father,” in response to the enthusiastic presentation.

A choir comprised of children and teenagers sang “Amazing Grace” to open the ceremony. Lisa Tressler served as the Master of Ceremonies.

Rev. Doug Preston, of Greensburg Wesleyan Church, offered the ceremony’s opening prayer, saying the gathered crowd collectively believed in “the sanctity of life.” He continued by saying those at the ceremony “will fight for life.”

Those who attended were given flowers which they placed in the infant’s casket before leaving. “Taps” was played as the crowd departed the square.

Bob Rust, of Decatur County Right to Life, told the Daily News he was pleased with Wednesday’s attendance.

“That’s a pretty good crowd,” Rust said of his estimate of at least 250 attendees. “We’re happy with the amount of people who came.”

Rust said he had received calls from some supporters questioning whether the ceremony would go on in spite of the frigid temperatures. It did, and those who attended seemed glad — and emotionally moved — they had taken part in the ceremony once it was over. Many wiped tears from their eyes as they placed their flowers in the casket.

After 40 years, the emotional investment of those on either side of the abortion issue — pro-life or pro-choice — appeared as strong as ever in Greensburg Wednesday night.

Contact: Brent Brown 812-663-3111 x7056

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