Find out about Good Shepherd's chapter of Anglicans for Life.
Anglicans For Life (AFL)
Even before Roe vs. Wade came before the Supreme Court, pro-abortion forces were stirring in our nation. Faithful priests and laity within the Episcopal Church saw the danger and founded the National Organization of Episcopalians for Life: NOEL. The year was 1967, and N.O.E.L. was the first of the many pro-life organizations that followed the infamous Roe v Wade decision. The purposes of NOEL were to educate, to assist women with problem pregnancies, and - the one thing that could not be accomplished by any other pro-life group - to maintain a pro-life presence within the Episcopal Church. N.O.E.L. has since changed its name to Anglicans for Life. The Steering Committee of Anglicans For Life at Good Shepherd meets monthly to plan events, except during the summer.
- AFL sponsors four coffee hours; Sanctity of Life Sunday (the Sunday before the March for Life), Mothers’ Day, Fathers’ Day, and the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patron of abortion victims. On Mothers’ Day, in addition to a fabulous coffee hour, flowers are distributed to mothers and to everyone who has or has had a mother. Yes, it’s pretty inclusive. In addition, a delightful collation pro-life literature, from a number of sources, is made available.
- Good Shepherd participates in the March for Life in Washington. For a parish our size we have a magnificent turnout - which includes our clergy. This does more than demonstrate to our elected officials the vigor of the Pro-Life Movement; the fellowship has to be experienced to be understood. This is a huge crowd (30,000 to 100,000+) of absolutely kind and peaceful people.
- Every year John Heidengren walks in support of Amnion, accompanied by his granddaughter. He would love to have you come, too. Just give him a call. He raises a great deal of money to help women with problem pregnancies, and the parish is solidly behind him. At the recent Parish Meeting about 75% of those present signed up as sponsors.
- The Service of Grace and Healing is a beautiful observance, offering healing and compassion to those who have lost a child because of death, miscarriage, or abortion. The clergy, a speaker, and representatives of Good Shepherd's Healing Ministry are present.
- There are two times during the year when Good Shepherd’s AFL donates, and urges the congregation to donate, diapers and wipes for the clients of Amnion. This marvelous ministry benefits women and girls in the community who have problem pregnancies.
Frequently Asked Questions
- There are many pro-life organizations, some of which do far more than AFL. Why shouldn’t I put my efforts there?
It is very important to maintain a pro-life presence within the Anglican Communion. Only AFL does this.
- How can I become more active in AFL at Good Shepherd?
Speak to any member of the Steering Committee or to one of the clergy. Meetings appear on the calendar that is in the Sunday bulletin. You would be more than welcome if you just showed up.
- Is AFL politically active?
No, it is not appropriate under our law for a church organization to be politically active. There are, however, political action arms of some other pro-life groups.
- Why did AFL change its name from NOEL?
For a number of years N.O.E.L. was headquartered at Truro Church in Virginia, eventually moving to Sewickley, Pennsylvania. As a result of the turmoil within the Episcopal Church a number of parishes began leaving PECUSA, but not the Anglican Communion, since they allied themselves with faithful bishops outside of the United States. At first the board of NOEL felt that the elimination of the periods would be sufficient eliminate the acronym and to cover the new status, since so often these churches were the very ones who were most faithful and most true. Eventually it became clear that a whole new name was needed and AFL was born.
Good Shepherd AFL Steering Committee
- Mary E. DiBonaventuro:
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- Rita Moyer:
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- Joanne Sayen:
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- John Heidengren:
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National AFL Information
As well as outreach, in the US as well as over seas, the National Headquarters of AFL guides and encourages the AFL chapters in various church communities and publishes a monthly periodical.
Anglicans for Life
405 Frederick Avenue
Sewickley, PA 15143
Toll Free: 1-800-749-0422
Fax: 1-412-749-0422
Email:
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www.Anglicansforlife.org
Other local pro-life groups
- Amnion Crisis Pregnancy Center Administrative Office
Amnion serves women with problem pregnancies, providing counseling and material assistance. They provide post-abortion counseling, instruct medical students in counseling crisis pregnancy patients, and much more. Amnion in Bryn Mawr serves our immediate area.
Amnion
944 Haverford Road
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
610-525-HELP
Fax: 610-525-7671
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- Silent No More Awareness
Silent No More is an organization for women who have had abortions. Georgette Forney, President of Anglicans for Life, is one of the co-founders. She can be contacted at AFL Sewickley or by phone 800-735-3448 or online at www.SilentNoMoreAwareness.org.
- Pro Life Union Inc. of Southeastern Pennsylvania
The Pro-life Union was formed to build a culture of life by promoting chastity and the sanctity of life. It supports crisis pregnancy centers and has a 24/7 pregnancy hot line. It engages the culture through the media to educate the community on life issues and chastity. The Pro Life Union witnesses and prays outside of abortion facilities, offering mothers one last chance to make the right choice.
Pro Life Union of southeastern Pennsylvania
88 Pennsylvania Avenue
Oreland, Pennsylvania 19075
Phone: 215-885-8150
Fax: 215-885-8174
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www.chooselifepa.org
- Pennsylvanians for Human Life
Pennsylvanians for Human Life provide education services through speakers and publications.
Pennsylvanians for Human Life
590 Snyder Avenue
West Chester, PA 19382
Phone: 610-696-0780
Fax: 610-696-0783
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- Delaware County Pregnancy Center
Delaware County Pregnancy Center provides pregnancy tests/ultrasounds, pregnancy counseling, post-abortion counseling, educational information, practical support and referrals. All services are free and confidential.
Delaware County Pregnancy Center
2508 Edgmont Avenue
Chester, PA 19013
Helpline: 888-643-7111
Phone: 610-872-2229
Fax 610-872-7996
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- Feminists for Life
Feminists for Life presents the pro life position from a feminist perspective. Its activities are educational, and focused primarily on college campuses. (NOW considers this organization its greatest threat.) FFL concentrates on promoting on-campus assistance for students and faculty with pregnancies, babies, and young children (i.e. day care, family housing, etc.)
Feminists for Life of America
PO Box 20685
Alexandria, Virginia 22320
703-836-3354
feministsforlife.org
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