The Southern Cross | October 2024

The Adelaide Archdiocese has introduced a new initiative aimed at upholding the sanctity of life. Fr Dean Marin and James Lloyd explain the rationale behind the project.

In the Gospel of John 19:23-24, we find a reference to the seamless garment of Jesus, which the soldiers chose not to tear apart but rather to cast lots for.

This powerful symbol of unity was later invoked by Cardinal Joseph Bernardin of Chicago in 1983 during a speech at Fordham University where he introduced the concept of a ‘consistent life ethic’ using the imagery of Jesus’ seamless garment.

Cardinal Bernardin recognised the temptation among Catholics to be selective when it comes to life issues, often separating personal moral concerns from social justice matters. He saw the urgent need to highlight the interconnectedness of all life issues – ranging from abortion and euthanasia to war, capital punishment, poverty, and healthcare reform – under the unifying principle of the inherent value of every human life.

Recently, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith issued the document Dignitas Infinita.

Although it does not use the term ‘seamless garment’, it echoes the same sentiment, beginning with the statement that ‘every human person possesses an infinite dignity’. This principle is then applied to a broad range of contemporary social issues including poverty, war, migration, human trafficking, violence against women, abortion and euthanasia, among others.

Embrace Life is a new focus within the Archdiocesan Office of Justice, Healing and Inclusion. While it does not aim to tackle all these issues, Embrace Life will maintain a consistent ethic of life, recognising the interrelatedness of all life matters within the broader context of the ‘seamless garment’. This initiative is dedicated to promoting the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death, while also addressing related justice concerns such as poverty, support for marginalised communities and ecological stewardship.

Given the current legislative context in our state, Embrace Life will primarily focus on abortion and euthanasia. Working within the Justice, Healing, and Inclusion team, Embrace Life will organise gatherings and forums to promote life-affirming values. Its mission is educational and formational rather than political, aiming to support those making life-related decisions in alignment with Catholic teaching.

Embrace Life will:

• Foster compassion and sensitivity through dialogue around life-related choices.
• Support services for pregnant women, families, those with terminal illness, and individuals facing life challenges.
• Monitor proposed legislation around abortion and euthanasia.

Additionally, Embrace Life will support and promote activities such as the annual Walk for Life, Birthline, Genesis Pregnancy Support, palliative care workers, and hospital and prison chaplains. In the spirit of faith, hope, and love, Embrace Life will hold all those contemplating life-related decisions in prayer.

Parishes will soon receive more information about Embrace Life and its upcoming activities. We encourage everyone to become involved in this vital focus on life within our Archdiocese and to commit its mission to the Lord in your daily prayers.

Fr Dean Marin is Vicar General and James Lloyd is pastoral leader, Justice Healing and Inclusion.