The leader of Utah’s 300,000-plus Catholics is calling on his flock to pray for 40 straight days to support the dignity of human life.
But Bishop Oscar A. Solis’ new initiative is about more than seeking an end to abortion. The head of the Diocese of Salt Lake City also worries about euthanasia and the less-than-charitable attitudes emerging in some quarters toward the poor, the homeless, immigrants, refugees and the mentally challenged.
“He wants to bring the diocese together to highlight respect for life issues — to protect life in all its stages, from within the womb to a natural death,” explained Veola Burchett, director of the diocese’s Office of Marriage and Family Life.