Dear John,
It's with a heavy heart that I have decided to end the public vigil portion of the spring 40 Days for Life campaign effective immediately due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
For the remainder of the campaign, we will continue the daily emails on what has happened this campaign. During the remaining days of the campaign, we will unite in prayer, fasting, and spiritual union to pray for an end to abortion and this pandemic.
This was the toughest decision I've made serving as President & CEO of this lifesaving movement, but I feel it is the right one. Since we did the first campaign back in 2004, I have visited over 530 vigil locations, and the safety of your family during a campaign is and will always be my number one priority.
From the beginning of the year, we've been carefully monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak that has spread so rapidly. Over the last few weeks, I've been very proud of our team, board, and local leaders who have adjusted to keep the campaigns compliant with the CDC and the World Health Organization--all while saving babies. With the increased guidelines in various regions and countries, and, most importantly, for the safety of our families and volunteers, ending the vigil portion of the campaign at this time is the appropriate step.
Fulton Sheen often criticized the world for wanting Christ without His cross.
He said, "When we look at Christ on the cross, we feel involved." The Coronavirus is a cross in our lives and the world right now. We all can't help but feel involved as we adjust our own lives and unite with those health workers on the front lines, government leaders, medical professionals, and those families who are sick or have lost loved ones. We are all involved, and I pray this cross does not go without drawing my family, your family, and our broken world closer to Jesus Christ. For He can't help but bring good out of this if we stay close to Him during this difficult time.
Look for a video update from me in the coming days and please stay updated by following our daily emails and listening to the weekly podcast: 40daysforlife.com/podcast
For life,
