I wish to respond to Mr. Van Riper's comments about abortion and the "sanctity of life Sunday".

First, I fail to see the purpose of using statistics to create the impression that abortion is a growing problem when all data kept at both a state and national level clearly shows that the number of abortions performed is falling. Further, with the coming of RU 486, (the abortion pill) the very issue of abortion will radically change because the need for surgical procedures will be greatly reduced.

Speaking as a pastor, the larger and more immediate issue concerning abortion is the growing level of violence associated with those who oppose it. Since 1993 seven people have died directly because of anti abortion activity which included bombing and shootings. Can anyone imagine Jesus condoning or participating in such horror?

In addition to death, hundreds have been wounded and thousands have been threatened and harassed by, supposed, Christians who were attempting to prevent American citizens from receiving or delivering a legal medical procedure.

Beyond physical confrontation there are the disturbing methods used to stir up followers and create an emotional frenzy. Consider rallies where photos of physicians are displayed within the cross hairs of a rifle scope. Check out the hate filled web sites such as the Nuremburg Files where the names, home addresses and even the addresses of the physician's children's schools are listed. Do these kind of activities express the love of God? In deed quite the opposite seems to be true. Christian terrorism has become a much greater threat to our country than abortion.

What bothers me is that, while many anti abortion groups disassociate themselves from militant elements, few have vigorously denounced them.

When will folks realize that the anti abortion movement has gone, too, far? When will anti abortion leaders accept responsibility for the violence their rhetoric has aroused? It is time to make major changes and to humanize the climate of the debate.

My concern is that if violence is not strongly and unambiguously denounced with out any qualification or excuse the violence will grow, even while abortion declines.

Considering this disturbing trend as well as its timing, i.e. so closely following the the murder of Dr. Barnett Slepian, I do not recognize the "sanctity of life" Sunday as legitimate. In my opinion, any abortion gathering, no matter how positively framed, is out of place and insensitive to the atmosphere of violence and climate of fear which exists for those who seek or provide therapeutic abortions. It is one thing to disagree with or even oppose a lawful activity, it is quite another to infringe on a civil rights of a citizen.

Like Mr. Van Riper, I too, have a long history of involvement in the pro choice movement and I consider it a personal honor to have met and shared conversation with the brave attorney, Sarah Weddington, who in the face of incredible odds argued the case for women's choice successfully before the Supreme Court. Just as I believe God raised up raised up David to fight Goliath, so too, do I believe that God lifted up Sarah to change the hearts and overcome the sexist and misogynist attitudes regarding reproductive issues which prevailed in 1973. No human effort could have succeeded on its own.

What have we come to? Those who are lead by the Holy Spirit and oppose abortion must also realize the horror their activity has created and end the terrorist tactics. Things were not always this way. As I look back, my how times have changed. Twenty three years ago I was a newly ordained U.C.C. minster and an intern psychotherapist who worked part time as a human sexuality educator for the Planned Parenthood in Syracuse. Protests at the clinic, then, consisted of the gentle Sisters who would come Friday's, at noon, to stand outside the building on East Genesee Street and pray the rosary. There were no threats or bullet proof vests or violence. I remember waiving to them and exchanging greetings as I passed them entering and leaving the premises.

We can do better. We must do better. The love of Christ can lead us to learn to disagree and respect one another without resorting extortion or violence or creating a climate of intimidation.

Rev. Michael Heath , Fayetteville, NY 1/22/99