Even (especially?) the Youth are “Silent No More”
(Editor’s note: After the conference, LifeCanada News contacted the National Campus Life Network to find out if any of the youth delegates would like to write about their experiences. Here we share with you conference highlights as seen through the eyes of Teresa Walters.)

Arriving in Edmonton on the long weekend was both refreshing and invigorating. Perhaps the weather had to do with those reactions. But I am also speaking about attending the “Silent No More” national, pro-life conference at the Fantasyland Hotel in Alberta. A three-day event, which brought people from all over Canada and the US to learn how they can become even more helpful, supportive, and active in pro-life work.

Thursday started with group meetings and then an opening session with Shafer Parker, a journalist and pastor, who shared about our need to be ambassadors for Christ. The next morning, Scott Klusendorf talked about issues of truth in today’s society, what makes human beings valuable, and how we must bring moral clarity to the debate. He explains the importance of asking, “What is the unborn?” He cunningly explains that he believes abortion is fine if “it doesn’t take the life of an innocent, defenseless human being.” He helps us realize we must frame our debate around “what is the unborn?” and battle from there. He showed the audience, at the end of his talk, a few pictures from the movie Silent Scream, indicating that we pro-lifers must open the “casket of abortion” to the world. He also addressed the need for full-time, pro-life workers, claiming that the pro-life movement is made up of part-time pro-lifers.

Alex Schadenberg from the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition discussed the differences between assisted suicide and euthanasia; he touched on current issues politically including some information from our own backyard about Elaine Martins. He addressed the issue that, if someone wants to kill their family member with Alzheimer’s, they think it won’t or shouldn’t affect others or society. But Alex explains it does because it devalues anyone with Alzheimer’s, saying their life isn’t worth living. Like Klusendorf, he talks about the truth and how society struggles with emotive relativism, a common theme of the whole conference.

Richard Doerflinger from the US Conference of Catholic Bishops spoke on the latest breakthroughs in law, ethics, and science regarding cloning. Discussing this “post-human future,” he goes through some of the terrible ideas being brought into court today, including the ability to patent humans and animals once they are brought about by unnatural means.

The night ended on a lighter note, as we had media personalities guess three mystery guests by questions and answers. One guest was Stockwell Day, who was there at the conference to speak the next day. Afterwards, people were invited for refreshments with traditional Metis music and socializing.

On Saturday morning, the Alberta Student Life Association shared their experiences as youth in pro-life work. (The presence of so many youth at the conference was particularly appreciated; they were acknowledged as having an important role in pro-life today and in the future.) Then came a passion-filled testimony from Bryan Kemper of Rock for Life, another youth group getting involved all over Canada and the US.

Scott Klusendorf began his four-hour Pro-Life 201 session by addressing three key areas – theology, philosophy, and science – around pro-life. He brought up the issue of some “pre-embryo” arguments. He battled the common pro-choice ethics and arguments, breaking them down and pointing out their flaws. He touched on relativism and its ongoing effect on social morality. He finished by recommending books to read and Internet sites to visit.

After a short break, the banquet was ready. The Fantasyland Hotel put on a rodeo Alberta style buffet, and before dessert our keynote speaker began his hour-long speech. Dr. David Reardon from the Elliot Institute spoke about post abortion issues. He reiterated the need to be compassionate with the women. He showed slides of statistics on repeat abortions, trauma, suicide, miscarriages, and barrenness due to getting an abortion. He lectured on the need for the youth and their compassion in battling these issues.

Throughout the conference there were heartfelt testimonies from post-abortive women who are now involved in pro-life work, who want to share their grief and give thanks for the support our movement has given them.

In all, the conference had harmony in its themes of connecting with women, solidifying morality, and defending the unborn. The success of “Silent No More” wasn’t just from the speakers but from the many youth and long-time members who showed up and gave their support. I would like to thank the Vancouver Right to Life Society for allowing me to be reaffirmed in my work by being there. Also to become further educated in pro-life duties and just having the opportunity to meet others by going to this conference.

Yours in Christ, Teresa.

Teresa Walters is a student at Trinity
Western University