Bishop of Chester is patron of anti-abortion group

Oct 9 2008 by David Holmes, Chester Chronicle

THE Bishop of Chester has become patron of a controversial anti-abortion organisation.

Rt Rev Dr Peter Forster is happy to be associated with the Evangelical division of the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC).

He is staying silent about his decision to become patron and his own views on abortion, but spokesman Stephen Regan confirmed the bishop was “broadly supportive” of SPUC.

The organisation website states: “SPUC represents a voice for the unborn. The society promotes awareness of the humanity of the unborn child to encourage more widespread recognition of the obligation to defend those with no means to defend themselves.”

The Bishop’s spokesman Mr Regan said: “He is in broad support of them. He’s not entirely sure he’s behind everything they stand for but in terms of the sanctity of life, he’s broadly supportive of them.”

Full story appears in this Friday’s edition of The Chronicle, on sale from October 10.