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Kowalchuk
Parish Priest
Corpus Christi Church
Thunder Bay
Ontario
Canada
Ms. Stephanie Gray
CCBR
Box 123
5-8720 Macleod Trail SE
Calgary AB, T2H 0M4
Friday, July 13, 2007
Dear Stephanie:
Many thanks for asking me to write this letter of endorsement. I do so only after carefully considering the matter from as many different angles as I can, hearing opinions from a bishop, whom I greatly admire and respect, post-abortive women (opposed and in favour), and the endorsements of others. In addition, I was present at the presentation you did here in Thunder Bay last Spring and was deeply moved by it. I can’t say that I’m "happy" about the graphic presentation. In fact, I felt sick to my stomach during and after it. I do not know any other response possible. Sitting there in the dimly lit church hall, watching an unborn child dismembered before my very eyes, wondering how the surgeon could bring him/herself to perform such an act, I felt extreme discomfort both emotionally and physically. Naturally I was sickened by the presentation – who wouldn’t be? But, what was more disconcerting was the knowledge that this type of thing is going on all over the world, all the time. What’s more, I knew that my hands were not "clean" either. I am relieved to say that I never once became aware of a thought process within that would conclude that "I am one of the good ones, watching the bad ones doing their evil deeds." I had to acknowledge that the vast majority of abortions have as their origin, a misuse of the precious gift of our sexuality – and that I have not always valued mine as the gift that it is, given with a specific plan and purpose from Almighty God. So, I did not feel as though I were "better" than anyone else, but that we all share in the sins and shortcomings of one another. I have never forgotten my reaction to the graphic presentation, a reaction which returns even when merely talking (or thinking) about the horror of abortion. The fact that sin can twist something as precious as human sexuality to this degree, where we would sooner kill than maintain the proper use of it – is something which should not escape the notice of any human being. The Lord Jesus Christ set us free! Let’s not again submit to the yoke of slavery! I know that there is considerable opposition to the Show the Truth approach, but, I must say that nothing I have ever experienced has brought me to a greater awareness of the situation, nor to a greater sense of compassion for those who have directly shared in abortion, than has your presentation. You are highly sensible, and professional, with a brilliant mind and nerves of steel and I support you and your ministry 100%, as I endeavour to support individuals who continue to suffer the pain resulting from their involvement in abortion.
With Gratitude in Christ,
(Rev.) Richard Kowalchuk
Parish Priest, Corpus Christi Church, Thunder Bay
