Limerick, Ireland, Feb 7, 2018 / 00:00 am
Ahead of Ireland's referendum on the country's abortion laws, Bishop Brendan Leahy penned a letter to the diocese of Limerick promoting respect for human life.
"The possible repeal of the eighth amendment and introduction of a liberal regime of abortion in Ireland…is a pivotal moment for our society and how we cherish life in this country," stated Bishop Leahy of Limerick in a pastoral letter, according to the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference.
"I invite you to be missionaries for the cause of life. It is a noble cause to uphold the sacredness of human life," he continued.
The Irish government announced on Jan. 29 that a referendum will be held to decide the fate of the constitution's Eighth Amendment, which classifies abortion as a criminal act. Repeal of the amendment could permit abortion throughout the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.