About 150 people gathered in Franklin on Sunday to celebrate the overturning of Roe v. Wade by the U.S. Supreme Court.
The “Celebrate Life, Support Life” event was organized by religious and service organizations of Venango County.
The group gathered at 1 p.m. outside St. Patrick Catholic Church for a series of short speeches and then marched to the ABC Life Center.
Speakers included the Rev. James Campbell, of St. Patrick; the Rev. John Miller, of Oil City Catholic Community; Kim Simons, executive director of ABC Life Center; Pastor Eric Reamer, of Oil City Free Christian Church; and Pastor Jeremy Coyer, of Christ Covenant Presbyterian Church in America, in Seneca.
Simons said much rhetoric projected on Christians is that “we are pro-birth more than pro-life, and don’t really care about the child once born — or women. But ABC Life and Venango County say differently. We march today saying that we celebrate life in Venango County, and we support life by making a difference.”
Elizabeth Clarahan, 28, of Polk said, “I think it’s important to realize that our community supports life from before birth till natural death, and that there are resources available for struggling women,” and 16-year-old Levi Sloat, of Knox, pointed out ABC Life Center helps women in need.
“My heart leaps for joy to see what’s happening,” said Mary Firster, 89, of Oil City. “I thank God for answering our prayers.”
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