by Marc and Julie Anderson
mjanderson@theleaven.org
As part of the “Evening for Life,” Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann received the Charles A. Sullivan Award, named after one of the earliest supporters of the Wyandotte Pregnancy Clinic.
In bestowing the honor, Leah Conner, executive director of the clinic, said the archbishop was an appropriate recipient.
“It was at Archbishop Naumann’s initiative that Wyandotte Pregnancy Clinic opened its doors,” she said. “His ongoing support and encouragement give both our clinics the courage and fortitude to continue our mission in saving the lives of the unborn.”
In his short acceptance speech, Archbishop Naumann said he would “treasure this award.”
Upon becoming archbishop in 2005, Archbishop Naumann said he had asked the pro-life office how the archdiocese was helping those facing unplanned pregnancies, especially in underserved areas. Wyandotte County, he said, was one area leaders felt strongly about.
“I’m really grateful to those that really took up that challenge,” he added. “It’s been a privilege as archbishop and in our archdiocese to support [the Wyandotte Pregnancy Clinic].”
Elsewhere, the archbishop discussed the recent Kansas Supreme Court ruling and urged everyone to get behind the effort to amend the Kansas Constitution. Ultimately though, he said love was the key to ridding American society of abortion.
“Whether Roe v. Wade is overturned or diminished or whether we’re successful or not with our Kansas Supreme Court overturning that decision by a constitutional amendment, our crisis pregnancy centers remain essential,” he said. “What we can’t do with law, we can do with love.
“That’s what this event is about tonight — surrounding those that might be tempted to think that abortion is the solution to some of the challenges of life.”
