Presbyterians Pro-Life page

PPL Celebrates 30 years!

It may seems a little awkward to celebrate an organization whose birth was a response to error in the church. But it IS right to celebrate the faithfulness of God and a multitude of steadfast witnesses.

In March 19-21, 1979 a strategy conference was held by Southern Presbyterians Pro-Life (SPPL) at Columbia Seminary in Decatur, Georgia. In June, 1979 the first Presbyterians Pro-Life News headline read:

“SPPL Becomes PPL”

“March 21, 1979 in Decatur, Georgia marked the beginning of a new attack on the abortion forces who have so firmly taken hold in the Presbyterian and Reformed Family of Churches. For on that date Presbyterians Pro-Life was formed. This new group succeeds Southern Presbyterians Pro-Life.”

For 30 years, PPL’s board meetings, events and activities have been marked by the themes of worship, word, witness, and work. PPL’s comprehension of a Sovereign and loving Creator, conviction of biblical truth about the value of life, and call to care for both woman and child through the ministry of the church has been crystal clear throughout its 30 year history.

Worship

It is worship—awe in the presence of the Creator God—that compels us to respect and protect human life from conception to natural death. Our understanding of who God is, his sacrificial love for humanity, and the person and work of Jesus Christ informs PPL’s understanding of the value of human life and moves us to bold witness and hard work. It is the reality of God’s greatness that causes PPL to ground all our work and witness in prayer and in study of the word of God as revealed in scripture.

Witness

The witness of PPL has come in many forms and from many voices, but the message is remarkably consistent, because it is rooted in scripture. We are created in God’s image; our lives belong to God at every stage of development; we are called to protect and defend the weak and vulnerable and to provide practical care for our neighbor in need; and God can be trusted to be present and provide in every circumstance.

Work

The work of PPL flows out of our worship and witness. We ‘get it’ that it is the work of the church to provide alternatives for women and men so that life-affirming choices are practically available to every pregnant woman. PPL has been tireless in promoting resource centers for alternatives to abortion and assisting churches in starting local ministries and pregnancy care centers. There is more to be done and we need many hands to do it.

Over 30 years, changes in technology and publishing have affected the way PPL carries out its activities. Like other ministries we are relying more on the internet and less on the printed page. We are doing more meetings by conference call and by email. In the ways that count, however, PPL at 30 remains unchanged. We are an organization renewed by worship, grounded in the word, compelled to witness, and doing the work of care.

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