Life Is Beautiful: A Message of Thanksgiving

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, and all people of good will throughout Idaho,

Following the election results of November 3 and the defeat of Proposition 1, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you who supported the Life Is Beautiful campaign. It is heartwarming to know that so many people prayed, sacrificed their time, shared their talents, and gave of themselves to help others understand just how important the protection of human life truly is.

Many of you will recognize the beautiful little girl named Fiona, whose face became so familiar throughout our campaign. I called her grandparents the day after the election and told them, “Just so you know, everything went well in Idaho.” I asked how Fiona was doing, and I was told she was doing wonderfully. She was visiting Spain with her mother and had become something of a celebrity! Just over two years old, Fiona is greeted by everyone because she is so darn cute. And when people greet her as she is pushed in her stroller she is now responding with a cheerful “Hola!” I think that is probably what she would want to say to each of us today, adding “Hello, let the Bells ring out!”

How blessed we are!

I especially want to thank the leadership and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, both in Salt Lake City and here in Idaho, as well as our evangelical brothers and sisters and the pastors of other Christian denominations who helped lead their people to do what is right.

I also want to thank our own priests, parish leaders, and all those throughout the Diocese of Boise who participated at the parish level through prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and countless acts of service. Thank you for your investment, your sacrifices, and your faithful participation in this important campaign.

This is good news for Idaho. And what a wonderful bond has been created among us, strengthening our communities through our shared commitment to the protection of human life.

Life goes on. Life is beautiful. And I am grateful.

Thank you, and may God bless you all!

Most Reverend Peter F. Christensen
Bishop, Diocese of Boise

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United with our Bishop and in communion with the universal church, we the People of God in Idaho are called to build up the Kingdom of God by:

proclaiming the presence of God in word and sacrament
calling each other to conversion and to joyful sharing of the Good News by word and deed
nurturing and supporting vital faith communities
being a prophetic voice which affirms the good values of society and challenges what is destructive
discovering, celebrating and integrating the gifts of each individual, community and culture
recognizing and responding to those in need

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DIOCESE OF BOISE