On Terri Schindler-Schiavo

Most Catholics are aware of the situation involving Terri Schindler-Schiavo. Her husband, Michael Schiavo, wants to remove her feeding tube, but her family has objected based on a number of inconsistencies. The Holy Father has also recently objected to the removal of nutrition and hydration in general.

In light of the fact that the Schindlers' objections have not been properly evaluated by the courts in the state of Florida, and in light of the Holy Father's statement of March 2004, we, the contributing writers of Sollicitudo Rei Socialis, strenuously object to the planned removal of Terri Schindler-Schiavo's feeding tube. We call upon the Florida courts to give due consideration to objections made by the Schindlers, by the office of Gov. Jeb Bush and by pro-life advocates nationwide. We call upon Michael Schiavo to acknowledge his own possible biases and to allow Mrs. Schindler-Schiavo's family to handle her care. In general, we call upon all Americans and all of our leaders in all branches of government to embrace a consistent ethic of life that will contribute to the growing culture of life, rather than achieving one last sad victory for the culture of death which is now diminishing.

As a result of our objection to the removal of Mrs. Schindler-Schiavo's feeding tube, we have decided to join in a growing movement of weblogs -- called a "BlogBurst" -- which will write in support of Terri Schindler-Schiavo's life. In solidarity with Mrs. Schindler-Schiavo, the Schindler family and disabled persons worldwide, we will strive to write about Mrs. Schindler-Schiavo at least once per day. We encourage other weblogs to participate in this BlogBurst. More information can be obtained from the Hyscience weblog, and the code for joining the BlogBurst can be found here. Anyone who joins the BlogBurst should be sure to e-mail Hyscience and let him know.

As we continue to fight for a consistent ethic of life in our culture, let us always remember that we are fighting for people, not issues or platform planks. We are fighting for people like Terri Schindler-Schiavo.

May God -- Father, Son and Holy Spirit -- protect our disabled brothers and sisters, especially Terri Schindler-Schiavo, from all harm. And may the Blessed Virgin Mary, together with Bl. Mother Teresa of Calcutta and all the angels and saints, pray for the repentance of all those who would disrespect the dignity of human life. May they come to believe in the Incarnation and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, and be led by their belief to respect the sacred nature of all human life. Amen.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Abby Kraft
Steve Bogner
Joe Cecil
Nathan Nelson

Contributing Writers,
Sollicitudo Rei Socialis