This pilgrimage to Walsingham will take place on Saturday 3rd August, led by Bishop David Oakley of Northampton.
There is a significant possibility of legislation against life in the new parliament. Although traditionally voted on as a conscience issue, and therefore not as a matter of party policy, recent statements made by party leaders, a powerful indicator of the likely result of such a free vote, give little encouragement to thinking that the outcome would be anything other than against the teaching of the Church. The pressure to introduce Assisted Suicide is growing, with sympathetic media campaigns featuring prominent supporters, while alternative successful pain management strategies go unreported. A majority of women in the UK are in favour of a reduction in the abortion time limit, currently 24 weeks, to bring the UK more into line with European countries, where in some cases it is 12 weeks. A Savanta ComRes poll shows only 1% of respondents agree with abortion up to birth, but this is precisely the aim of two prominent MPs of the last Parliament who take every opportunity to campaign vigorously for this change. It is very likely that the new government will approve this change.
One of the Bishops has commented that he is certain that we are engaged in a spiritual battle and that this pilgrimage is part of the urgent defence of the sanctity of human life.
We attached a poster here with more details followed by more information.
Please consider joining this pilgrimage, if possible in person, or online at walsingham.org.uk/live-stream/ The need for prayer to support life has been great since the passing of the 1967 Abortion Act. It is now increasingly needed as the pressures to allow abortion up to birth grow, along with a swelling campaign to introduce Assisted Suicide. Pope Saint John Paull II urged everyone to join in the 'great prayer for life'. A poster is displayed on noticeboards in the Church giving further information.
If there is anyone in the parish who would be willing to organise transport please do ask them to get in touch with us. We will circulate information to surrounding parishes and give as much more help and support as we can.