2003 Kuyper Lecture

Papers from the 2003 Kuyper Lecture

Lecture: "Protecting and Enhancing Life" (PDF, 13 pages) by the Honorable Vernon J. Ehlers, U.S. House of Representatives

Response by the Rev. Robert Sirico, Acton Institute for the Study of Religion & Liberty (PDF, 5 pages)

Response by Vernadette Ramirez Broyles, We Care America (PDF, 4 pages)

Response by Hessel Bouma, III, Calvin College (PDF, 5 pages)

The context

The year 2003 marks the 30th anniversary of the Roe vs. Wade decision of the United States Supreme Court regarding abortion. Since 1973, many additional life-related issues have come to the fore, including euthanasia and genetic engineering. We welcome as our lecturer this year Dr. Vernon Ehlers, who has given careful thought to this array of life-related questions. He also bears responsibility to act on these matters as a member of Congress. The 2003 Kuyper Lecture took place in Grand Rapids, MI, on October 13, 2003.

The lecturer

Vernon J. Ehlers is U.S. Congressman for Michigan's Third District, which he has served since December 1993. Ehlers came to Congress following distinguished service in the Michigan House (1983-1985) and Senate (1985-1993). The first research physicist in Congress, Ehlers has been recognized for his strong work ethic and proven leadership skills in his duties on Capitol Hill.

He serves on the Science Committee, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, the House Administration Committee, and the Education and the Workforce Committee. On the Science Committee, he chairs the Subcommittee on Environment, Technology and Standards. In 1997-1998 he was selected to rewrite the nation's science policy. On the Education and the Workforce Committee he blends his efforts with the Science Committee to improve math and science education.

Panelists

Hessel Bouma III is Professor of Biology at Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan. In addition to teaching biology, genetics, medical science and bio-medical ethics, Dr. Bouma serves on local and state ethics committees and hospice boards. He writes, speaks, and is frequently interviewed by local and national media on topics related to biomedical ethics.

Vernadette Ramirez Broyles is an attorney and currently serves as Public Policy Counsel for the Washington-based nonprofit organization We Care America, a national network of faith leaders, denominations, and care providers dedicated to serving the needs of the underprivileged across the U.S. She was appointed by President Bush to the coordinating council of the federal Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Program and was invited by Attorney General Ashcroft to serve on the National Advisory Committee on Violence Against Women.

Rev. Robert A. Sirico is president of the Acton Institute for the Study of Religion and Liberty in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He writes and lectures on religious, political, economic, and social matters in educational and business settings across the U.S. and abroad, and is often interviewed in local and national media on economics, civil rights, and issues of religious concern. The Institute's programs and publications seek to integrate theology, philosophy, economics, and history in equipping leaders to address contemporary social problems.