International Conference for Life & Belfast-Dublin Prayer Walk (11 photos)
Precious Life held their “International Conference for Life” in Belfast on Saturday 11th May. The packed hall in the Spires Conference Centre heard how Ireland - north and south - faces the most critical threat towards bringing abortion into our country. The Conference also heard from American Pro-life Groups who came to stand in solidarity with us.

Director of Precious Life, Bernadette Smyth introduced the inspirational speakers, which included Assembly Members Paul Givan and Alban Maginness; former MEP Dana Rosemary Scallon; and Rev Pat Mahoney and Pam Stenzil from the USA.

Northern Ireland Assembly Members Paul Givan (DUP) - chair of the Justice Committee - and Alban Maginess (SDLP) said the protection of unborn children was an issue that united the communities in Northern Ireland. They promised they would continue to do everything within their power to ensure our unborn babies remain protected.

Dana explained how the Irish Government is planning to legalise abortion. She warned that the ‘1861 Offences Against The Person Act’ must not be tampered with because it is the only legal safeguard for Ireland’s unborn children.

Rev. Pat Mahoney of the Christian Defence Coalition told the audience that he had come to Ireland to do a “Prayer Walk for Life and Justice” from Belfast to Dublin (12th-18th May) to pray that Ireland would never suffer the violence of abortion.

The keynote speaker, Pam Stenzil from Enlighten Communications in the USA, shared her powerful emotional testimony about how she was conceived through rape. With love and compassion she explained why abortion is never the right choice for women, even in cases of pregnancy through rape.

Other speakers included Amy Brennan and Kevin McIlroy from Precious Life Youth; Ide NicMathuna from Youth Defence in Dublin; and members of the pro-life youth group - Survivors of the Abortion h0Ɩ0cαųst - from California, USA.

The conference was a huge success. The audience left with new zeal and inspiration to be a voice for the unborn child, and protect Ireland from the scourge of abortion.

The following day (Sunday 12th May), Precious Life joined Rev Pat Mahoney at the front of Belfast City Hall for the start of his “Prayer Walk for Life and Justice” from Belfast to Dublin.

Precious Life also launched “40 Days of Prayer and Fasting” to protect Ireland from the scourge of abortion. The initiative is supported by Archbishop Eamon Martin Coadjutor - Archbishop of Armagh and next leader of Catholics of Ireland

Even though this is a critical time for Ireland’s unborn children, we are greatly encouraged by the enthusiastic response to our Conference; with the solidarity and prayers of our American pro-life friends, and with the support of Archbishop Eamon Martin for our ‘40Days of Prayer and Fasting.’

We encourage all the pro-life people of Ireland - and indeed across the world - to unite with us in these 40 Days. As Jesus tells us - some evil only can be overcome by prayer and fasting. God used 40-day periods to transform individuals, communities, and the entire world. From Noah in the flood, to Moses on the mountain, to the disciples after Christ’s resurrection, it is clear that God sees the transformative value of His people accepting and meeting a 40-day challenge. With faith, we look forward to seeing the transformations that God will bring about to protect Ireland from the scourge of abortion.