"This week's March for Life amplified how Evangelicals and Catholics with others are increasingly united in promoting a culture of life." -- Mark Tooley, IRD President

Contact: Jeff Walton, Institute on Religion and Democracy, 202-682-4131, 202-413-5639 cell, jwalton@TheIRD.org

WASHINGTON, Jan. 24, 2014 /Christian Newswire/ -- When tens of thousands of pro-life activists gathered in the nation's capital on Wednesday, they did more than mark the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision that swept away state laws restricting abortion.

With a special emphasis on promoting adoption and the visible presence of new, young female leadership in the Pro-Life movement, the march began laying a foundation for wider appeal.

Much credit goes to Jeanne Monahan, the new president of the March for Life Education and Defense Fund who began leadership of the organization after its longtime founder passed away in 2012. New outreach to Evangelical groups offers the potential of expanding the march beyond its strong Roman Catholic base.

IRD hosted a delegation of 11 Anglican bishops attending the march and also attended a pro-life service for United Methodists featuring the United Methodist Bishop of Florida who extolled Roman Catholic teaching about the sanctity of all human life.

IRD President Mark Tooley commented:

 
"This week's March for Life amplified how Evangelicals and Catholics with others are increasingly united in promoting a culture of life.

"Confronted by our current era that is often increasingly hostile to transcendent truths, Evangelicals and Catholics need each other now more than ever in defending the permanent, sacred things of human existence.

"Providence often responds to moments of destruction with greater exertions of redemption. Spiritual and political collaboration between Evangelicals and Catholics is a providential gift especially important in these times, for which we can all give thanks."

 
The Institute on Religion & Democracy works to reaffirm the church's biblical and historical teachings, strengthen and reform its role in public life, protect religious freedom, and renew democracy at home and abroad.

www.TheIRD.org