A Christian rights group is contesting accusations of extremism made against them in an EU report concerning the abortion lobby. The group is specifically challenging the report's characterization of their views and activities. The EU report reportedly examines the abortion lobby and identifies groups it considers extreme. The Christian rights group is likely to defend its position and beliefs in response to the report's findings.
4 months ago
A leading Christian human rights organization, Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) International, has strongly refuted accusations of extremism leveled against it and other Christian pro-life groups in a recent report by a European abortion advocacy organization 2 3. The report, titled "The Next Wave," was released in late June by the European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual and Reproductive Rights (EPFSR) 2 3. It alleges a "new alliance of religious extremists, far-right populists, and oligarchic funders" is infiltrating mainstream politics 2 3.
Felix Böllmann, Director of European Advocacy for ADF International, described "The Next Wave" report as a "thinly veiled attempt to silence ideological opponents under the guise of academic research" 2 3. He criticized the EPFSR for labeling ADF International, along with other Catholic organizations like Poland’s Ordo Iuris and the Netherlands’ Civitas Christiana, as extremist 2 3. Even Hungary Helps, a charity supporting persecuted Christians, was classified as an "enemy of sexual rights" 2 3.
Böllmann characterized the EPFSR's approach as a "5D strategy": "Disrobe, disarm, dislocate, demonetize, and defend," aimed at depriving Christian and conservative voices of legitimacy, financial support, and access to public debate 2 3. He further challenged the EPFSR's undefined use of "religious extremism," arguing that it is based on ideological premises rather than objective, legal standards, unlike official EU anti-terrorism documents that focus on violence 2 3.
ADF International has accused the EPFSR of hypocrisy regarding its own funding 2 3. Böllmann highlighted that despite presenting itself as neutral, the EPFSR operates as a "well-funded activist network," receiving nearly 3 million euros (approximately $3.4 million) annually 2 3. Its donors reportedly include the Gates Foundation, George Soros’ Open Society Foundations, Merck Sharp & Dohme, UNFPA, and the International Planned Parenthood Federation 2 3.
The EPFSR's 2023 budget totaled $2.38 million, with 45% from public donors, 31% from foundations, and 20% from pharmaceutical companies 2 3. Böllmann stated it is "remarkably hypocritical" for such an organization to accuse others of "dark money" while relying on "opaque and ideologically driven funding" 2 3. The EPFSR, which emerged in 2000 as a spinoff of the International Planned Parenthood Federation, actively influences EU political processes, including parliamentary reports, hearings, and resolutions, effectively creating a lobbying infrastructure within the EU Parliament 2 3.
What is the Church's stance on life?
The Catholic Church upholds the sanctity of human life from conception until natural death, viewing it as a sacred and inviolable gift from God . This foundational principle, rooted in the dignity of the human person created in God's image and likeness, informs the Church's moral vision for society .
Every human being, regardless of their physical or psychological condition, possesses inherent dignity because they are created in the image of God and called to a unique relationship with Him . God's love for every human being is boundless and does not differentiate based on intelligence, beauty, health, or any other consideration . This dignity is the ultimate foundation of human life's sacredness .
The Church consistently proclaims the sacred and inviolable character of every human life from its very beginning until its natural end . This includes the initial phase of an embryo's life, even before implantation . Therefore, the Church defends the unborn, treating the embryo as a person from conception, and advocating for its integrity, care, and healing .
The Church unequivocally opposes direct attacks on innocent persons at any stage or in any condition . This opposition extends to various practices and societal issues:
Beyond opposing direct attacks, the Church actively promotes a "culture of life" . This involves supporting laws and programs that encourage childbirth and adoption over abortion, addressing poverty, providing healthcare, and offering assistance to pregnant women, children, and families . The Church also emphasizes the social dimension of the human person, recognizing that full human development occurs in relationship with others and that the family is the fundamental unit of society .
The Church's stance on life is a prophetic message to society, emphasizing the power and beauty of the Gospel of life and calling all people of good will to respect the dignity of human life at every stage .