What would inspire people to stand along a busy street for an hour, holding signs, on a blustery cold October day? Each participant in the 2011 Wooster Life Chain had their own unique reasons for being there, but all shared a common commitment to the preciousness of life and ending abortion.
Its a good way to witness to the sanctity of life, said Victoria Birk, who is secretary of the Wayne-Holmes Right to Life group. Beth Sidel and Birk are co-coordinators of the Wooster Life Chain.
Sidel has helped to organize the Wooster event for the past 14 years. The number of participants ranges anywhere from 50 to a couple hundred participants each year depending on weather conditions, Sidel said. Were just here to raise awareness, meditate, reflect and pray. We dont let the numbers get us down; we just want to be a presence to say that life is precious.
National Life Chain Sunday started in 1987, and is always the first Sunday of October in the United States and Canada. Last year, life chains were held in more than 1,700 locations. Life chains are not chiefly intended as demonstrations but rather as a time of prayer. Only signs with one of seven preapproved messages are permitted; these are provided to the participants and each has suggested meditations on the back. Families are welcome. The Wooster Life Chain lasts one hour.
Although participants are asked not to respond to passing motorists, they do get some reactions. Our goal is to be a peaceful presence in public. Most of the time the response from the community is positive, Sidel said. People toot their horns, give thumbs-up. Sometimes elected officials stop by as well.
I hold a sign that says Adoption: The Loving Choice because Im adopted, Sidel said. I just feel that adoption is a loving option. We need to make it easier for people to adoptit builds families and there is a waiting list of people wanting to adopt. Its a healthy choice for society.
Karen Teal, of Wooster, also chose an adoption sign this year. The message is close to her heart since her two children were adopted. I thank God that he gave their birth parents the courage to give them life, she said. Now that she is a grandparent, she sees that blessing continuing into the next generation.
I think in the core of every person they know that life is precious. We cling to our own lives, Teal said. Its good to bring this to the forefront of peoples minds. It might be that nudge they need if they are in a position where they have to make a choice.
People of all ages took part in this years Life Chain. Eleven-year-old Brad Stoll held a sign reading Abortion Kills Children. He said this is the second time he has been part of the Life Chain, and he was there to help end abortion.
Wendy McKee, of Wooster, brought several of her children to the event as well. I am committed to promoting a culture of life and working against the death culture, said McKee, whose commitment grows out of her Catholic faith.
Ed Schafrath said he takes part in the Life Chain because of his concern for women. He sees abortion as the ultimate abuse of women. Im doing this out of love, Schafrath said. As a Vietnam veteran, he learned firsthand that its not winning the battle you worry aboutits winning the war. Love will win in the end.
To learn more about National Life Chain Sunday, visit http://www.nationallifechain.org.
