June 2008 News and Prayer Letter

Embryo Bill

The Government's Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill is now in the House of Commons and heading for the statute book. This Bill is one of the worst developments we have faced in the 40 years since the passing of the 1967 Abortion Act. By permitting the creation of cloned human-animal embryos, it strikes at the very heart of the uniqueness and dignity of what it means to be human, made in God's own image. It will allow the genetic modification of human embryos for research, remove the recognition of a child's need for a father for some test-tube babies, and offer the opportunity for amendments that will widen the law on abortion.

On 12th May the Bill received a massive majority of 340 votes to 78 at Second Reading. On 19th May, in Committee stage, the whole House rejected five amendments aimed at reducing some of the worst aspects of the Bill, and the following day amendments to retain the recognition of the need for a father and to restrict some late abortions were all likewise defeated.

The Bill will return for its Report Stage and Third Reading in the next few weeks, when it is likely that some MPs will take the opportunity to try and widen the law on abortion by moving further amendments, for example to extend the Abortion Act to Northern Ireland or to abolish the requirement for the signature of two doctors.

It is a sign of God's judgement on our nation that we now have a Parliament that is prepared to support the creation of half-human half-animal hybrids, to repudiate the God-given role of fathers, and to refuse to end the barbarity of abortion.

Prayer Points: Give thanks for those parliamentarians, many of them Christians, who have spoken against the Bill in the Lords and the Commons, and worked to amend and defeat it. Pray that moves to use the Bill to widen the law on abortion will be unsuccessful. Pray for repentance in our country, where human life has such little value. Pray that God may have mercy on us, and that this Bill may yet fail to become law.

Action Point (1): Please contact your MP and urge him or her to vote against any pro-abortion amendments, and against the Bill at Third Reading. SPUC has produced a striking new leaflet about the Bill (sample enclosed); you can use this to help.

Action Point (2): Could you distribute the leaflet in your area, or among members of your church or fellowship? Details for ordering are on the leaflet.

Nurses Leaflet Campaign

An important inquiry into the nurse's role in abortion has taken place, but most nurses were not consulted! SPUC believes pro-life nurses with a conscientious objection to abortion are being ignored and will come under pressure to take part in abortions unless they speak out now with a strong voice.

The parliamentary inquiry, 'Scientific developments relating to the Abortion Act 1967', was conducted last July and August by the Select Committee on Science and Technology. It looked into the "practicalities" of nurses carrying out surgical abortions; the Select Committee did not, however, wish to look at "the ethical or moral issues associated with abortion". Although the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) took part, only a small sector within the profession was canvassed for their views. When such fundamental ethical principles are at stake, all nurses deserve to be consulted.

SPUC has produced an informative leaflet (enclosed) to promote a new campaign to defend pro-life nurses and unborn children. Can you help with this?

Prayer Point: Please pray for those nurses who have a conscientious objection to abortion to be willing to take a strong stand against their profession's involvement. Pray for Christian nurses in particular, for them to be firm in their conviction about the sanctity of human life in God's eyes.

Action Point: Please speak to any pro-life nurses with whom you have contact, and get them to write to the RCN and their MPs, letting them know that their views were not represented in the RCN submission to the Select Committee. "Briefing Notes for Nurses" are available to help write letters: please contact Linda Davidson at HQ on 020 7091 7091 or email lindadavidson@spuc.org.uk.

Silent No More

One of the most powerful weapons against abortion and the harm it causes is the testimony of women who have had abortions. In 2005 Georgette Forney, an American Anglican, spoke movingly at our National Conference about the impact in her country of outdoor meetings where women tell of their abortion experiences. This has led to the Silent No More campaign in Britain.

The Campaign, which is a major joint venture between SPUC and British Victims of Abortion (BVA), aims to educate the public that abortion is deadly to the baby and harmful to those who choose it. Women, men and families are suffering emotionally, physically and spiritually because of abortion, and the effects are often long lasting. We want to reach out to those hurting after their abortion and let them know help is available. We also want to invite those who are ready to share their stories to join us in being 'Silent No More'.

Prayer Point: Please pray for these brave women, as they continue to speak about their experience of abortion. Pray that God will use their message to inform people of the truth about abortion, and to turn hearts of stone into flesh.

Action Point: If you would like to organise an event in your area we can give you all the help you will need. Please contact Rab Macdonald on T: 01257 463661, M: 07957 844790 or E-mail: rabmacdonald@spuc.org.uk to discuss things further.

National Conference

This year's conference is planned for September 5th to 7th at The Hayes, Swanwick in Derbyshire. Last year, all who attended agreed that it was one of the best ever; it was particularly heartwarming to have no fewer than three evangelical Christians appearing on the platform. Attending Conference is one of the best ways to become really well informed about pro-life work.

Prayer and Action Point: Pray about the possibility of attending the 2008 conference. You can arrange to receive a booking form by contacting SPUC headquarters on 020 7091 7091.

40 Years of Choice

A reminder that copies of our latest publication are still available. 40 Years of Choice was written to mark the fortieth anniversary of the Abortion Act. It gives a hard-hitting and practical response to the arguments that are commonly given for abortion, demonstrating the humanity of the unborn child and the biblical basis for the sanctity of human life.

Prayer Point: Please pray for this booklet to be widely read, and for God to bless its message.

Action Point: You can order copies of the booklet (ask your church leader about distributing to or through your church or fellowship) from Liz Foody 020 7091 7091, or email lizfoody@spuc.org.uk.

The Bible and the Unborn Child

We are enclosing an insert in this mailing, giving a brief outline of the basic pro-life case and the status of unborn children in the Bible. We hope you will find this helpful. In future mailings we plan to include other leaflets setting out information and arguments on various aspects of defending the sanctity of human life.

Prayer and Action Point: Please read the insert carefully, and pray through what it says. Why not pass it on to a friend or contact Rab Macdonald on T: 01257 463661, M: 07957 844790 or

E-mail: rabmacdonald@spuc.org.uk for further copies.

Christian conventions

We have been concerned for some time that we have not had a presence at some major evangelical conference venues. This year for the first time our leaflets were available on display at both Spring Harvest events. We are now planning to have a small stand near to the Keswick conference centre during this year's Convention (12th July to 1st August). From this we shall be giving out literature. Between them the Keswick Convention and Spring Harvest attract over twenty thousand evangelical Christians, all of whom should be our natural supporters.

Prayer Point: Please pray for the effectiveness of our witness at these events.

Action Point: If you would like to help at Keswick, please contact Jan Bell T: 01189884689 or E-mail: georgeandjanbell23@tesco.net.

Prayer request

Please Pray for Peter Smith as he works on behalf of the vulnerable in our society, particularly on the following dates.

June

1-7. NGO Committee in New York

15. Preaching in Bromley Baptist Church, Leeds

17. Preaching in a church in Swindon.

23&24. National Parliamentary prayer breakfasts, Westminster

July

5. Attend George Verwer's 70th birthday party

14. Brixton SPUC branch meeting

15. SPUC Evangelicals committee meeting

16-18. Various meetings in London

18. Preach in Banbury

21-25. Keswick Convention

28-31. Keswick Convention

A final comment

The onslaught of anti-life legislation and anti-Christian feeling in our society can be deeply disturbing. It is important to remain faithful and active in Christ's service at such a time. Psalm 2 is a wonderful reminder that God remains sovereign at all times, and can act decisively in our own day, as he has throughout history. Praise Him!