Bishop Abel Palomo's family holding up the banner--Washington Monument On Friday January 22, members of the IPHC met in Washington, DC for the annual March for Life. The first March for Life was held in 1974. The date is important because it was on January 22, 1973 that the United States Supreme Court ruled in favor of abortion on demand in the now infamous Roe v Wade decision.
The IPHC has consistently held a pro-life position; though it was not until 1997 that our position was officially recorded in the IPHC Manual. Since that time our movement has made efforts to communicate our position through such emphases at Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. In the past 20 years major efforts occurred through the Royal Home Ministries in Falcon, North Carolina, to provide women facing decisions about abortion a place where they can have their baby in an environment of care, compassion, and hope.
For many years individuals, families, and local IPHC congregations have participated in the March for Life. In January, 2014, Presiding Bishop Doug Beacham participated in the March along with Rev. Gary Burd from Mission-25, Mr. Joey Leggett of the Falcon Children’s Home, and many others. I am thankful that the IPHC attendance has grown each year and we are counted among the thousands who gather on the Washington Mall and march to the US Supreme Court building.
This year, 2016, we gathered as a major winter storm approached Washington from the south. Since many of our participants had come on motorcycles and on roads where the storm was already causing problems, we decided to meet as a group at the Best Western Pentagon for a service of prayer and encouragement. For safety reasons we encouraged many to return home. Thankfully they all arrived safely to their destinations. But several who live in the Washington area were present on the Mall and carried the IPHC banner (see photo).
While I am sorry we were not able to fully participate on the Mall, we are not discouraged and will return next year to participate. Many states are now hosting March for Life rallies at state capitals. We encourage IPHC members to get involved by praying and standing with those who are on the side of life. We also encourage IPHC members to be involved in helping women and babies with a fresh start at life.
[Editor's comment: Presiding Bishop wrote this excellent article about the 2016 March for Life at my request. We are grateful for the leadership of our general superintendent. It is the mission of Hugh's News to serve the IPHC Ministries as well as the body of Christ worldwide.]
The IPHC has consistently held a pro-life position; though it was not until 1997 that our position was officially recorded in the IPHC Manual. Since that time our movement has made efforts to communicate our position through such emphases at Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. In the past 20 years major efforts occurred through the Royal Home Ministries in Falcon, North Carolina, to provide women facing decisions about abortion a place where they can have their baby in an environment of care, compassion, and hope.
For many years individuals, families, and local IPHC congregations have participated in the March for Life. In January, 2014, Presiding Bishop Doug Beacham participated in the March along with Rev. Gary Burd from Mission-25, Mr. Joey Leggett of the Falcon Children’s Home, and many others. I am thankful that the IPHC attendance has grown each year and we are counted among the thousands who gather on the Washington Mall and march to the US Supreme Court building.
This year, 2016, we gathered as a major winter storm approached Washington from the south. Since many of our participants had come on motorcycles and on roads where the storm was already causing problems, we decided to meet as a group at the Best Western Pentagon for a service of prayer and encouragement. For safety reasons we encouraged many to return home. Thankfully they all arrived safely to their destinations. But several who live in the Washington area were present on the Mall and carried the IPHC banner (see photo).
While I am sorry we were not able to fully participate on the Mall, we are not discouraged and will return next year to participate. Many states are now hosting March for Life rallies at state capitals. We encourage IPHC members to get involved by praying and standing with those who are on the side of life. We also encourage IPHC members to be involved in helping women and babies with a fresh start at life.
[Editor's comment: Presiding Bishop wrote this excellent article about the 2016 March for Life at my request. We are grateful for the leadership of our general superintendent. It is the mission of Hugh's News to serve the IPHC Ministries as well as the body of Christ worldwide.]
Presiding Bishop Doug Beacham