In a forthright and courageous sermon, Cardinal O'Brien launched a mighty broadside against abortion yesterday. He said, "Forty years ago we were told that backstreet abortions were killing women and had to be decriminalised. We were told abortion would only be used in extreme cases. We were told medical scrutiny would be rigorous. We were told a pack of lies – lies and misinformation masquerading as compassion and truth."

"The scale of the killing is beyond our grasp. In Scotland we kill the equivalent of a classroom full of school children every day. For many women abortion has become an alternative form of birth control."

"In making this call, I speak most especially to those who claim to be Catholic. I ask them to examine their consciences and discern if they are playing any part in sustaining this social evil. I remind them to avoid cooperating in the unspeakable crime of abortion and the barrier such cooperation erects to receiving Holy Communion. As St. Paul warns us “whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.”

The Lifeleague says: We would like to commend Cardinal O'Brien on both his words and bravery in issuing forth this declaration of war on the abortion industry. The Labour party in Scotland is overwhelmingly Catholic, yet overwhelmingly pro-abortion. The Cardinal has rightly decided that such a situation cannot remain unchecked forever. We call upon every other Scottish church leader, Protestant and Roman Catholic, to issue a similar rallying call. Christians and churches have been silent on this issue for far too long - the long night of sleep is over, a new line has been drawn in the sand. On which side do you stand?

Click here to send your message of support to the cardinal.