Anglicans for Life Canada host event on the eve of the annual March for Life

Elizabeth Mabie
Spur Ottawa Correspondent

Every year, 10,000s of pro-lifers gather on Parliament Hill to protest Canada’s radical pro-abortion policies. While the massive rally and march through the streets is the best-known part of the March For Life, there are actually dozens of events scheduled in the days before and after the main event, on Thursday, May 10.

Many events—like the annual candlelight vigil, youth events, and the acclaimed Rose Dinner—are organized by Campaign Life Coalition (CLC). However, many other organizations also hold gatherings and functions to strengthen the pro-life movement.

Anglicans for Life Canada (AFLC) has been holding such an event, called The Next Wave, for three years, on the Wednesday before the March. At 6 p.m. on May 9, brothers and sisters in Christ from all denominations will gather at The Bible House for an evening of fellowship and learning what it means to be part of a life-affirming church.

“A life-affirming church fits in perfectly with the March For Life because that’s what we are all about: the dignity of the human being in life, from conception until natural death,” explains Debbie Duval, CLC’s National Capital Organizer. “That’s what CLC believes in and that’s why we have this march.”

“Life-affirming churches are reaching out.”

Those attending The Next Wave will not only be treated to a pizza dinner, but to a message from Rick Bergh. Bergh pastors Open Gate Anglican Church, in Langford, B.C., and works as a counselor specializing in thanatology, the scientific study of death.

“AFLC’s mission is to educate and equip Anglican congregations to [be life-affirming churches] from a biblically pastoral foundation. Of course, one doesn’t have to be Anglican to participate,” explains Vicky Hedelius, National Director for AFLC. “Rev. Rick Bergh will be sharing his experience and training in the ministry of caring for the vulnerable, especially those facing severe illness, and all end-of-life ministry.”

Hedelius says Bergh is passionate about evangelism, so it makes sense that his message for The Next Wave reflects the intersection between the pro-life movement and evangelism. His message is entitled “Why Life-Affirming Churches are Positioned Well for the Harvest!”

“Life-affirming churches are reaching out in a variety [ways] to the vulnerable in their local neighbourhoods with the good news of Jesus,” Hedelius explains.

“I’m looking forward to whoever and whatever the Lord has planned for this year’s gathering.”

This year’s March For Life was forced to make some changes, in part due to the new Ontario bubble-zone legislation. The new law prohibits “perform[ing] an act of disapproval” about abortion anywhere near a clinic—a provision opponents say violates their Charter right to freedom of expression.

CLC also made some other changes that Duval and other organizers are excited about, inspired by the sister-march in Washington, D.C.

The Washington march had a powerful testimony from a Congresswoman who refused to abort her baby despite significant pressure from medical professionals. She fought for her unborn child’s rights and won. Moved by this, CLC decided to feature more of these statements from women with similar stories in Canada’s March.

Sharing her experience at the March For Life, Hedelius says, “Each year I meet folks who share their witness of Christ’s presence in their daily lives. How exciting is that? I’m looking forward to whoever and whatever the Lord has planned for this year’s gathering.”