Due to the concern of COVID infection, the Diocese has asked that parishes and schools focus their advocacy efforts locally and avoid traveling to Washington for the national march.
In addition, for the first time since it began, the national March for Life in Washington will be online only Jan. 29. Only a small group of pro-life leaders from across the country will be invited for in-person events, it was announced Jan. 15. This year’s theme is “Together Strong: Life Unites!”
“We will continue to discern throughout this year what steps should be taken for the 2021 March for Life, and will share subsequent updates on our website and social media,” said Jeanne Mancini, president of the March for Life Education and Defense Fund.
Updates will be announced on the March for Life website, https://marchforlife.org/national-march-for-life.
Locally, New Jersey Right to Life is planning its Pro-Life Rally in Trenton on Jan. 22, followed by a march through the city’s streets. More information and updates may be found at NJRTL.org.
At the national rally, a virtual address will be given by Tim Tebow, two-time national champion, first-round NFL draft pick and Heisman Trophy winner; Tebow will also address the Virtual Rose Dinner Gala, which will recognize 2021 Pro-Life Legacy Award winner Carl Anderson, Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus.
Marchers will be addressed by retired NFL player Benjamin Watson and his wife, Kirsten, who are authors, speakers, podcasters, movie producers and parents of seven. Also speaking will be Jim Daly, president of Focus on the Family, and J.D. Greear, president of the Southern Baptist Convention.
Opening and closing prayers of the rally will be led by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, Archdiocese of Kansas City; and Cissy Graham Lynch, daughter of Franklin Graham and granddaughter of the late Rev. Billy Graham.