Churches Become Safe Haven for Women Facing Unplanned Pregnancy
Contact: Pastor Steve Hickey, VoteYesForLife.com, 605-357-8136
SIOUX FALLS, SD, Sept. 9 /Christian Newswire/ -- Church leaders across South Dakota are organizing "The Lampstand Project" to mobilize a coalition of churches who pledge to support women and families facing unplanned pregnancy. The churches want to reach out to those who choose alternatives other than abortion when faced with the difficult decision.
A press conference will be held Wednesday, September 10th at 10 a.m. at the Ramada Airport Center (1301 West Russell). The Lampstand Project hopes to identify and mobilize at least 800 churches in the state that are willing to be a light in their community and encourage women to choose life for their unborn child. The coalition boldly supports Initiated Measure 11, which will be on the ballot November 4th. Measure 11 stops abortion as birth control, preventing up to 97 percent of all abortions in South Dakota.
The Lampstand Project represents the entire spectrum on Christian faith traditions. The group wants to demonstrate love and compassion for women facing an unplanned pregnancy by offering support throughout pregnancy and after the baby is born. Lampstand churches will place emblems in their windows helping women easily identify them as a safe and welcoming place they can go for support.
"We believe it is not enough to just be pro-life and preach a sermon once a year on Sanctity or Respect Life Sunday. Our affirmations go beyond words and include specific actions and commitments to women and unborn children," said Steve Hickey, Pastor at Church of the Gate in Sioux Falls. "Spiritual leaders are stepping up to care for women and children, something the Bible calls 'pure religion.' It is not true South Dakota women only have Planned Parenthood to turn to in a time of crisis. In every remote corner of this state are churches ready to tangibly help provide safe places for women and children, born and unborn." Churches, individuals and businesses can help in many ways, from simply posting a yard sign to volunteering at the VoteYesForLife.com office. For more information, please contact VoteYesForLife.com at 605.271.7581.
Source: South Dakota Department of Health, Office of Data, Statistics, and Vital Records
