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Pro-Life Training Program Series

DON'T LET PRIDE WRECK PRO-LIFE UNITY

By Janet Baker
Treasurer, Pro-Life Maryland, Inc.

The second of the "Ten Principles of the Offensive" is to "achieve unification of purpose."

Brian Clowes makes the all-too-true point that this seems to be singularly difficult for the various pro-life groups.  He cites the squabbling that occurs both within and without the movement itself.

He gives the example of clergymen publicly complaining about picketers to the media.  This is not far-fetched; it actually happened last year in Rockville, where a minister, in an interview with a local newspaper, criticized sidewalk counselors in Rockville.

Needless, to say, the newspaper had a heyday with that in the resultant article.  Happily, the minister did learn his lesson.  I would venture to guess that other grumblings have been made in regard to the various Face the Truth activities in Maryland over the years.

Clowes gives some worthwhile suggestions for fostering unity among pro-lifers.  First, leaders and other members of various groups must meet regularly.  He suggests quarterly.  I've heard from some pro-lifers that "meetings are a waste of time."  I do believe that they are coming from a perspective where they are truly busy with other responsibilities.

However, other responsibilities notwithstanding, we need to get together regularly (not just to solve a crisis) to pro-actively address issues and explore methods of doing our work more effectively and efficiently.

Other suggestions are, first, leave our egos at the door.  This is fundamental.  Let us remember that, in the words of St. John the Baptist, "He must increase and I must decrease."

Additionally, let us remember that pride is the first of the Capital Sins.  Second, we must work together so as to cover all bases and avoid duplication of efforts.  Again, this can be hindered when groups are jealously guarding "their turf" or where there is something unpleasant to be done that no one wants to do.
Third, and I do believe this is crucial, we must have a clear sense of purpose.  Not only that, but we must have a common sense of purpose.  Some of the infighting occurs because very few are willing to explore the "big picture"; they can see only their own narrow niches.

In a word, they are afflicted with tunnel vision and are most unwilling to stretch their minds to see how what they do impacts the larger vision. 

An example of this came up in a meeting of sidewalk counselors.  We were discussing the use of graphic signs in front of abortion mills as counseling was being attempted.  Various people brought up various goods that these signs could produce; but what was lacking was a clear, common goal of what was to be accomplished during a sidewalk counseling venture.

In my next column I will discuss the third offensive principle, "exploiting the opposition's weaknesses."