Last Updated: Friday - 09/24/2010

Knights resolve to support a pro-life culture

Fraternal group also called for legal protection for medical personnel

WASHINGTON - The Knights of Columbus renewed the fraternal organization's support for traditional marriage, religious liberty and the culture of life in resolutions approved during the organization's Aug. 3-5 convention here.

Members reiterated their "deep and historic commitment to oppose any governmental action or policy that promotes abortion, embryonic stem cell research, human cloning, euthanasia, assisted suicide, and other offences against life."

They also pledged to "continue to speak out to our elected representatives about the need to enact legislation to oppose these practices and to protect human life in all its stages."

CRISIS PREGNANCY SUPPORT

In resolving to build a culture of life, the Knights said they would continue to support programs for women facing crisis pregnancies.

They also called for laws that protect the conscience of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other medical personnel, "guaranteeing that they may not be forced to provide medical services which violate their religious beliefs."

The Knights also reaffirmed a "long-standing policy" that no event sponsored by the Knights would feature speakers or grant honours to those who favour laws supporting abortion or who advocate the legalization of assisted suicide or euthanasia.

In the resolution on religious liberty, the Knights stressed that they will "never waver" in their efforts to promote religious freedom as an inherent right of all. They pledged support for fellow believers around the world, especially those who suffer religious persecution.

They also pledged to "resist any trend to treat religion as a purely private matter."

The Knights paid tribute to Brother Andre Bessette, who will be canonized by Pope Benedict Oct. 17 and pledged to continue his commitment to care for those who are sick or in need.

He founded St. Joseph's Oratory in Montreal, the largest shrine dedicated to St. Joseph in the world.

MOTHER TERESA HONOURED

They similarly honoured Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta; various events around the world, including a tour of her relics, are under way to commemorate the centennial of her birth, Aug. 26.

Saying they were inspired by the example of Mother Teresa, the Knights vowed to increase their charitable programs and outreach to the poor, assisting the work of the Missionaries of Charity, or serving at local soup kitchens and food pantries.

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