In a letter sent to all grand knights in the United States in advance of the October observance of Respect Life Month, Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson called upon the Knights to continue to take the lead on pro-life issues.

“For years, Knights of Columbus at every level of the Order have worked tirelessly for the cause of life. With the confirmation of two new Supreme Court justices, we are perhaps closer than ever to seeing the reversal of Roe v. Wade. Now we must redouble our efforts to work for life through prayer and action, and together we will restore legal protection to every innocent human life, born and unborn.”

Anderson’s letter was sent with the Respect Life Program packet prepared by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities. The packet includes articles on the ethics of adult and embryonic stem-cell research, how two-parent families contribute to children’s well being, the Church’s opposition to the death penalty, and more.  The Knights of Columbus provides funding to the bishops’ pro-life office for its education and information programs, including the Respect Life Month packet.

Anderson also encouraged councils to participate in Respect Life Month. “Use this opportunity to collaborate with parish and local pro-life organizations in our common cause to promote respect for life.” According to the Order’s 2005 Survey of Fraternal Activity, Knights raised and spent more than $3.6 million on pro-life programs.

Anderson said Knights of Columbus efforts were bringing a greater awareness of the right to life according to the Church’s teaching.

 “We are uniquely poised to be leaders of the pro-life movement,” Anderson said. “Surely there is no greater cause, and I thank you for your past and future efforts to build a culture of life in America.”