Leaders in the Diocese of Oakland’s Respect Life ministry came together at the Cathedral of Christ the Light Parish Hall in Oakland Nov. 3 to hear from speakers, and from each other.

About 60 participants were welcomed by Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, who thanked them for “being witnesses to the truth.”

“One thing you can do in addition to being witnesses for life,” he said, “is to support our priests when they speak out from the pulpit.”

The pro-life message is not always popular.

“We have to be able to tell the truth, but with love,” the bishop said. “We accompany people. We listen to their story. We’re there to help them. Then they need to listen to our truth when they see we are good and loving people.”

The Walk for Life West Coast is scheduled for Jan. 26, 2019 in San Francisco.

Cristina Hernández, coordinator for Life and Justice in the diocese, told the audience that Bishop Barber would be concelebrating the Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral at 9:30 a.m. After Mass, she invited groups from the diocese to go together to the rally at Civic Center Plaza, which begins at 12:30 p.m., and to walk together on Market Street at 1:30 p.m.

Full story at The Catholic Voice.