News release from Marin Catholic High School
Marin Catholic, a college preparatory high school sponsored by the Archdiocese of San Francisco, invited Reverend Walter Hoye to speak to the faculty and student body on January 7, 2010. Rev. Hoye was welcomed to speak in the new Pope John Paul II Student Center by the President of Marin Catholic, Father Thomas A. Daly, who teaches Senior Apologetics to a class of 88. Prior to Rev. Hoye's talk, all students read a copy of the letter he wrote while he was in jail.
Reverend Hoye is a Baptist Minister who served 30 days in jail for his peaceful protest of Planned Parenthood abortion clinic in Oakland. Reverend Hoye spoke to the audience about the sidewalk counseling he has provided to expectant mothers over the years, his arrest, trial and subsequent time in jail, as well as the appeal of his trial in the Ninth District Court. Reverend Hoye also discussed the sanctity of life, the evils of abortion, and promoted The Walk for Life in San Francisco on January 23rd.
Adults from the Marin Network for Life attended one session. Member Peggy Bartley stated, "It was such an honor to be able to sit in this morning on Rev. Hoye's talk to Fr. Daly's theology class. While Walter Hoye is very soft-spoken his message certainly packs a punch. His conviction in standing for life is an inspiration to all of us in our mission to protect all life -- the unborn, the elderly and the vulnerable. While Mrs. Hoye appears to be in the background it is obvious that her faith equals her husband's. Aside from protecting the unborn, the clear message from Rev. Hoye was how his freedom of speech was trampled on. He did not succumb, though, and was willing to go to jail rather than compromise his principles. My admiration for Rev. Hoye increases each time that I hear from or about him. May God bless and protect him in his work."
In order to address the entire student body of 720 students, Reverend Hoye gave six separate one-hour talks, which were compelling and the students responded positively to the message. Many gathered at the end of each session to shake his hand and ask questions.
Several students were quoted: Nico said, "I thought it was very thoughtful and informative." Thilini stated, "I like how he linked abortion and slavery. It is also encouraging that various Christian denominations are joining the fight for life." Max added, "It was influential and moving." Josh said, "I am now inspired to walk for life."
Fr. Daly commented, "Rev. Hoye was able to eloquently and powerfully reveal the Truth about abortion and young people are always drawn to the Truth when they are able to hear it."
Ryan Mayer, Theology teacher, and leader of the Respect Life Club which marches every year in the Walk for Life stated, "Too often in the classroom, the abortion issue remains an 'academic exercise.' Rev. Hoye made it real by sharing his experiences. He walks the walk! We hope this will increase the turnout at the Walk for Life."
Hoye stated at the end the day, "I agree with the Sacred Psalmist of the Scriptures: 'Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward from Him' (Psalm 127:3). It was my blessing to walk among the students of Marin Catholic High School and share from my heart how precious God's gift of life is."
