WASHINGTON, Feb. 4 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Christian organizations today announced a nationwide campaign to save the life of Terri Schiavo if feeding and hydration tube is removed.
Groups will encourage all those who cherish the culture of life to come to Florida and stand in solidarity with Terri and her family should the courts order food and water withheld from her.
Organizers hope scores will come from around the nation to pray, lobby and peacefully intervene on Terri's behalf.
Below are quotes from some of the organizations that will be participating:
Rev. Rob Schenck, president of the National Clergy Council, stated, "Our thoughts and prayers are with Terri and her family. The National Clergy Council calls upon the State of Florida to stand with Terri Schiavo to ensure her basic civil rights are protected. Terri, and all those who are in similar condition, deserve compassion and mercy. Not punishment and violence."
Troy Newman, director of Operation Rescue, commented, "As a nation, we are judged not by how we treat the powerful and strong. Rather, we are judged by how we treat the weakest and most vulnerable in our society. Operation Rescue will do all within it's power to see that Terri Schiavo is treated with dignity and respect and her right to life is protected."
Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, director of the Christian Defense Coalition, "If Terri Schiavo were a pet, animal or convicted serial killer she would be given more rights and civil liberties than she is being afforded right now. My prayer is that people will come to Florida from across the nation to save Terri's life and work to ensure that no one will have to endure this kind of punishment and torture again."
Dana Cody Esq., executive director of Life Legal Defense Foundation, added, "Life Legal Defense Foundation stands in solidarity with Terri Schiavo because we believe in the sanctity of human life. If Terri's feeding tube is removed she will die and agonizing death by dehydration and starvation that will set precedent leading to the forced death of other disabled individuals, thereby eroding the sanctity of all human life."
Brandi Swindell, national director of Generation Life, "Terri's life has meaning, purpose and dignity. Therefore, she should guaranteed the most basic human and Constitutional rights which are afforded to all Americans. By subjecting Terri to this kind of brutality, we are sending a message that those with physical challenges are second class citizens not worthy of justice or protection."
Dr. Gary Cass, executive director of Reclaiming America, stated, "Reclaiming America will use every resource available to us to save the life of Terri Schiavo and all those who are facing similar physical challenges. This campaign will shine a spotlight on the barbaric manner in which Terri is being treated and hopefully shock the conscience of our nation so it never happens again."
