Like a good boxer who gets knocked down but bounces right back up, Ohioans are picking themselves off the canvas in the fight to protect all human life after suffering a devastating blow in the November election with the passage of Issue 1 that enshrined the right of abortion into the state’s constitution.

Bishop Earl Fernandes, representatives from the diocese and individuals from more than 40 organizations convened on Wednesday, March 6 at The Catholic Foundation offices in downtown Columbus for a Pro-Life Leaders Summit to collaborate and discuss how to best move forward to foster a culture of life.

After the state’s voters passed the constitutional amendment on Nov. 7 that provides access to obtain an abortion up until birth, pro-life leaders expressed an even greater need to offer resources for women and families at all stages of life in addition to being a catalyst for action in their communities to promote a culture of life.

“We are here in part because of the disappointing result in November at the ballot box, which reveals to us in some ways our need to win not merely votes but to win hearts and convert hearts and to truly be pro-life,” Bishop Fernandes said.

Kathy Scanlon, president of Pregnancy Decision Health Centers, stands to explain PDHCs services and mission during the diocese's Pro Life Leaders Summit on Wednesday, March 6 at The Catholic Foundation in downtown Columbus. Photos courtesy Abigail Pitones

After the November election, Bishop Fernandes released a letter to the faithful encouraging deeper prayer, holy hours of reparation, abstinence from meat throughout the year on Fridays, a greater spirit of penance and support for initiatives related not only to saving children from abortion but advocating for access to health care, preservation of dignity for the disabled and end-of-life issues.

To facilitate a unified effort, Bishop Fernandes called for the establishment of a new, single-focused Respect Life Office.

The diocese announced on March 16 that Father Robert Penhallurick will become the new director of the Respect Life Office. Father Penhallurick, who attended the summit, is currently the pastor at Hilliard St. Brendan the Navigator Church, but he will assume his new duties and also take over as the pastor at Columbus St. Catharine Church in July. 

“We’re going to renew our commitment to being people of life here in the Diocese of Columbus,” Bishop Fernandes told the pro-life leaders at the summit, “but part of what a respect life office ought to do is not replace what all of you are doing.

“All of you are here because in one way or another you help build the culture of life, whether it is accompanying women and their unborn children, whether it is providing diapers or education about how women can care for their children and gain those life skills so that their youngsters can have a new beginning and a healthy beginning, whether it is helping people get into a good preschool or pre-K or our commitment to Catholic education.

“There are many ways in which we as Catholics accompany people across the spectrum of life.”

Jerry Freewalt, director of the diocese's Office for Social Concerns, speaks at the summit. Photo courtesy Abigail Pitones

Last year, at the end of November, the diocese initiated a survey that was sent to 41 organizations asking for feedback on key questions that included an assessment of challenges and needs.

Those individuals and organizations, many of which were represented at the summit, are Back in His Arms Again, Bethesda Healing Ministry, Birthright of Columbus, Birthright of New Philadelphia, Bottoms Up Diaper Bank, Catholic Medical Association, Catholic Social Services, Catholics for Life, Center for Christian Virtue, Christ Child Society of Columbus, Created Equal, Diocese of Columbus Office of Evangelization, Elizabeth’s Hope Pregnancy Resources, FEMM Health, Genesis Health, Greater Columbus Right to Life, St. Timothy Church Respect Life, Heartbeat International, Peggy Hartshorn, Heartbeats, Joint Organization for Inner-City Needs, Knights of Columbus, Mommies Matter, Mother Angeline McCrory Manor, Mount Carmel Health System, New Path Pregnancy Resource Centers, Diocese of Columbus Office for Social Concerns, Diocese of Columbus Office of Catholic Schools, Ohio Dominican University, Ohio Right to Life, Order of Malta, Pregnancy Decision Health Centers (PDHC), Pregnancy Resources of Delaware County, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Special People in Catholic Education (SPICE), St. Edward the Confessor Church Respect Life Committee, The Pregnancy Center of Coshocton, The Women’s Clinic of Columbus, Twin City Medical Center (CommonSpirit Health) and Women’s Care Center.

Gabriel Vance, founder of Catholics for Life, explains the mission of his organization. Photo courtesy Abigail Pitones

The services provided by the organizations include pro-life and end-of-life advocacy, pregnancy information, sidewalk counseling, political lobbying, counseling, post-abortion healing, prenatal and post-natal care, ultrasounds, parenting classes, baby supplies, support after miscarriages or premature child deaths, abortion pill reversal, health care for families, diapers and baby supplies, housing assistance and food.

Also attending the summit were representatives from the Catholic Conference of Ohio and the Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives.

“We are seeing changes in our community, in our schools, in our parishes, in our neighborhoods, in terms of what’s happening in pro-life and that was evidenced by the state issues and so addressing these cultural changes is a huge problem that we have to work through,” Jerry Freewalt, the diocesan director of the Office for Social Concerns, told the summit leaders.

“There are oppositional forces, and many said there’s a need for more effective engagement supporting  those who are aligned with our mission and values.”

Some of those issues include visibility and awareness, marketing and promotions, funding through grants and donations, attracting younger members, schools and parish involvement, education, facilities and housing, strengthening participation in programs such as Walking with Moms in Need, creating pro-life missionaries, sharing resources and clergy support.

“There’s a heightened importance of all pro-life organizations in the diocese working together in unity,” Freewalt said.

Aaron Baer, president of the Center for Christian Virtue in Columbus, cited post-election statistics that indicate a need to work together within the body of Christ to protect the sanctity of life. His center’s post-election polling showed that more than one of three weekly churchgoers voted yes on the amendment. 

Bishop Fernandes pointed out that the makeup of the diocese is changing with an influx of immigrants, rapid growth in Columbus and a declining population in rural areas. There are other issues of concern, including human trafficking, health care, homelessness and poverty.

“We have a communication problem,” Bishop Fernandes said. “The perception in the world is that we are doing nothing, that we’re only interested in the child in the womb. … We’re not just against abortion or euthanasia. We’re truly a pro-life people. … And you are living proof that we are doing something more.”

The bishop reminded the gathering that pro-life work is the Lord’s work that requires good stewardship.

“With every gift, there comes a task,” he said. “And our task is to help build a culture of life and to show respect for human life and dignity in all its stages.”

Kelley Henderson, president and chief executive officer of Catholic Social Services, summarized the spirit of the summit. “When a mother chooses to have a child, we should celebrate with them, walk with them, accompany them on their journey together because it’s our shared journey,” he said.