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It began with a dream. Having read an article about the value of shrines for building faith before going to bed, Larry Behr, Attorney at Law, found himself holding rules of evidence, motions to dismiss, and complex legal arguments in abeyance and instead walking down a stone path near a church. There he met a woman whose words would echo through his dream into the waking world with stunning impact. "This is the shrine of the Golden Arch of Saint Mary," was all she said, but it was enough to set a dream dawning in his heart, and become one of the Pro-choice community's worst nightmares. Formally known as the "Arch of Triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and International Shrine of the Holy Innocents," the conspicuously Catholic project is being governed by a not-for-profit New York corporation with an extensive Board of Directors on which Behr sits as Executive Director. It is also guided by a National Advisory Board that has attracted the likes of Dr. Bernard M. Nathanson, M.D., former abortionist turned pro-life activist, as well as a number of national figures committed to the rights of the unborn. The shrine's decided glorification of Mary has presented a graphic stumbling block to many local Protestants, forcing them from what has become a shared common ground with their fellow Catholic pro-life crusaders, and precluding their public support of an otherwise worthwhile endeavor. Be that as it may, the greatly embattled project, rich with meaning and symbolism, cannot help but capture the imagination of anyone who takes a second look at it, and seize the grudging respect of its detractors. Still too early to set the project's location and design in stone, its governing Association may be sifting through varied proposals at this point, but its purpose is sure. They are committed to building a truly world-class, globally significant shrine, hopefully located between the mouth of the Buffalo River and Lake Erie adjacent to downtown Buffalo. It is hoped to be an ascendable monument with an observation deck, measuring 700 feet at the tip of the golden cross that will surmount its peak. Boldly, though silently proclaiming the dignity and sanctity of human life, born and unborn, the edifice is to also extol the near forgotten virtues of purity and holiness. Additionally, it is hoped to sound a global call to repentance and conversion, to a renewal of faith, and ever-deepening respect for unborn human lives. Beyond the spiritual implications lie Behr and company's belief that the project will substantially enhance Buffalo's cultural and economic status. He compares the impact of the completed Arch of Triumph to the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, which draws an amazing four plus million visitors annually and is thought to add more than two billion dollars a year to that city and state. And while the final design is a long way off, it is promised to be drawn by architects of distinction, not be an imitation of the Gateway Arch, and employ great artistic care to ensure an effect that is thoroughly graceful, tasteful, and appealing. The private religious facility further promises to use no public land or funds for its establishment, but is exploring the use of NFTA-held property. If used, then by law, the land would have to be transferred to the corporation the same as any other private party, either by sale or long term lease. Its funding is sought through donations on a global scale. In spite of the class and care with which the project is proceeding, The Arch has found few friends in the media dodging bullets from every quarter. It has been subject to a number of hostile, though sometimes downright colorful and humorous objections to which Behr has responded with thoughtful, reasonable answers. He comments, "We are even taunted with the threat, that Buffalo will be made fun of by late night comedians. However, we greatly doubt that Conan, Leno, and Letterman would be so lacking in judgment as to ridicule a Catholic shrine. If they do make jokes, Buffalo has broad shoulders, and has withstood worse." One of the more telling criticisms, however, has been the allegation that such a memorial to abortion victims, does not belong in a town which was the site of the horrific, cold blooded murder of abortion provider, Dr. Barnett Slepian. Without question, Dr. Slepian's murder has to be one of the seven gutless wonders of the modern world and should be subject to the swiftest, most severe retribution allowed by law. He was struck down in what should have been one of the safest places on earth, his home, and his death was the act of a coward motivated by distorted delusions of justice. Still, a memorial to victims of abortion runs counter across pro-choice philosophy like nails across a chalkboard. Memorials by nature exist for people as opposed to formless blobs of fetal tissue. And people have feelings, souls, and rights. Consequently, this memorial in a way revives the status of abortion as a moral crime against humanity. It personalizes it, and gives a voice to generations who have had not only their lives torn away, but their cries as well. It stands as a living accusation to a people, government, and legal structure that have justified the unthinkable, mass-marketed it, and turned bloodshed into a multi-billion dollar polished profession. Behr and company have their work cut out for them, but the project's national support is growing on a grand scale. It is a venture that continues to capture the imagination of a broadening constituency, Catholic and Protestant alike and, according to Behr, has won the support of local pro-life activists, Reverends Bob Behn and Johnny Hunter. Not bad for a dream of a woman who might just have coughed up one of the most far reaching one-liners in history. Behr keeps it all in prospective, however, saying, "I've never asked anyone to believe in the dream, just to believe in the project." You can find out more about this project at their web site www.archoftriumph.org, or by calling their voice mail at (716) 877-2795. |