Backers Celebrate Roe V. Wade Abortion Rights Supporters Pray For Courage To Speak Out About Issue

A lot of noise has filled the 25 years since the U.S. Supreme Court made a ruling that legalized abortion - the shouting of crowds, the percussion of bombs and the snap of gunfire.

But on Sunday, about 100 people observed the Jan. 22 anniversary of Roe v. Wade with song, prayer and silence in St. Paul’s United Methodist Church on North Monroe.

They were supporters of the decision. Most were women, but there were more than a dozen men. Together in prayer, they sought courage to speak “clearly, plainly and publicly” for what they believe.

“Silence will not protect us,” said Cindy Fine, National Abortion Rights Action League coordinator for Eastern Washington.

The group was called upon to shed silence next Sunday, as well, when anti-abortion activists plan to march from the Fourth Memorial Church to the Planned Parenthood Clinic at 123 E. Indiana and have a vigil at 2 p.m.

“We would like to counter that in our parking lot,” said John Nugent, executive director of Planned Parenthood of Spokane and Whitman Counties. “I call on you to get involved. Join us again next Sunday.”

Nugent joked that if it was cold out, at least supporters of Roe v. Wade could retreat into the warm clinic.

The church service served other functions than just calling people to action. It was a reminder that America’s clergy is not of one mind on abortion.

“Often it appears fundamental Christian groups seem to be setting the agenda for Christianity,” Nugent said. “There are many religious people who have views that include the right to choose.”

The service was opened by St. Paul’s pastor, the Rev. Homer Todd, and led by the Reverends Keith Wolter, Phyllis Todd and Roxanne WhiteLight, who is a priest with the Independent Catholic Church.

During the service, listeners were told that an estimated 5,000 women annually died from clandestine abortions before the procedure was made legal. More suffered the agony of having an illegal abortion and then keeping it secret, the speakers said.

At one point during the ceremony, a group of 25 men and women stood in a semi-circle and passed a flame from candle to candle - 25 candles for each year Roe v. Wade has been in existence.

All of the candle holders were either people who had supported someone who had an abortion or had had an abortion herself.

One of those was 45-year-old Gayle Ekins of Spokane.

“I think it’s important that those of us who feel strongly about reproductive choice show that support,” Ekins said. “The issue would not be nearly as violent and the rights not as nearly as threatened if more people came forward.

“And so this is my small part to do what I can,” she said.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo