We March For
Life, Mothers, Fathers, Neighbors
Pennsylvania March For Life 2025
On Monday, September 22, 2025, Lutherans from across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania gathered in Harrisburg to stand for life at the Pennsylvania March for Life. With the steps of the State Capitol as the backdrop, the voices of God’s people joined together in prayer, song, and witness for the lives of our pre-born neighbors.
This year’s march brought together thousands of Pennsylvanians of all ages, united by a common conviction: every human life, from conception to natural death, is precious in the sight of God. Among the many groups represented were over 75 Lutherans, traveling from all corners of the state. Three Lutheran church bodies stood side by side in this bold witness the North American Lutheran Church (NALC), the Lutheran Brethren of America (LB), and the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). With pastors, families, congregations, and students in attendance, this Pro-Life Lutheran presence gave testimony that Christ’s church cannot remain silent while innocent lives are threatened.
The day began with prayer and fellowship. At 9:00 a.m., Lutherans for Life hosted a breakfast at the Hilton Harrisburg, just blocks away from the Capitol. This gathering allowed Lutheran marchers to meet one another, pray, and hear words of encouragement before heading to the rally. Conversations around tables were filled with hope, conviction, and mutual encouragement as believers shared stories of why defending the unborn is so deeply personal. Some spoke about children adopted into their families. Others shared experiences of ministering to women in crisis pregnancies. Still others reflected on their own stories of God’s grace, marveling at the Lord’s gift of life in all its stages. Together, this time of fellowship reminded all present that the pro-life movement is not only about laws and policies, it is about love for our neighbors, especially the smallest and most vulnerable.
At 11:00 a.m., the official rally began on the Capitol steps. With banners waving and signs lifted high, the voices of thousands filled the air. Keynote speaker Ryan Bomberger, founder of the Radiance Foundation, delivered a powerful address. Himself an adoptee, Bomberger reminded the crowd that every child is wanted by God and that choosing life is always a victory. He urged Pennsylvanians to be both “factivists” and people of compassion, speaking the truth about life while also extending Christ’s mercy to those who have been wounded by abortion.
Other speakers included legislators, pastors, medical professionals, and leaders of pro-life organizations. Their unified message was clear: Pennsylvania must be a place where mothers are supported, fathers are equipped, and children, born and unborn, are cherished. At noon, the march itself began. Stretching for blocks, the sea of people processed peacefully through the streets of Harrisburg. Lutheran marchers could be seen walking together, their signs bearing witness to the truth of Scripture: “For You formed my inward parts; You knitted me together in my mother’s womb” (Psalm 139:13). For many, it was a moving moment to walk shoulder-to-shoulder with brothers and sisters in Christ, proclaiming the sanctity of life to the watching world.
What made the day particularly significant was the unity of Lutherans across different church bodies. In a culture that so often emphasizes division, this gathering was a tangible sign that when it comes to life, the church stands together. Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, which is a part of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod provided strong leadership in organizing and encouraging congregations to attend, but the partnership with the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Brethren of America demonstrated a shared conviction: the defense of life transcends synodical lines.
By the close of the day, over 75 Lutherans had marched, prayed, and witnessed together in Harrisburg. That number may seem small compared to the thousands in attendance overall, but it is a powerful reminder of the words of Jesus: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14). Even a small band of faithful witnesses can have an outsized impact when they stand together on God’s Word.
The Pennsylvania March for Life is not an end, but a beginning. The work of defending life continues in congregations, homes, and communities across the state. Lutherans are called to continue proclaiming the Gospel of Christ’s forgiveness and mercy, while also extending practical help to mothers and families in need. Crisis pregnancy centers, adoption agencies, and local ministries all provide tangible opportunities to put faith into action.
As the church looks forward to future marches, rallies, and opportunities to engage lawmakers, the hope is that even more Lutherans will join in. The presence of 75 Lutherans in Harrisburg this year can serve as a springboard for greater involvement in years to come. Above all, the day reminded all who participated that the fight for life is not merely political but profoundly spiritual. It is the church’s calling to bear witness to the Author of life, our Lord Jesus Christ, who came that we might have life, and have it abundantly (John 10:10). On September 22, 2025, Lutherans across Pennsylvania lived out that calling, standing together for their pre-born neighbors. May God continue to bless these efforts, strengthen His people, and bring about a culture where every human life is treasured as His good and perfect gift.
