What is Sanctity of Human Life Sunday?
After abortion was legalized in 1973, many Christians began to observe the inherent value of life endowed to us by God during their religious services one Sunday a year. Sanctity of Life Sunday is usually the Sunday closest to January 22, the day the Supreme Court handed down the Roe versus Wade decision that made abortion legal all nine months of pregnancy, but it can be done any time in the liturgical calendar.
Why Should I Observe Sanctity of Life Sunday?
With the growing acceptance of the destruction of human life at every stage of development, it is imperative for God’s people to uphold and teach what the Bible says about life. “God, and not man, is the creator of human life from conception to natural death.” Therefore, the Church must protect and respect life by educating its members about the sanctity of every human life.
When is Sanctity of Life Sunday?
In 2026, Sanctity of Life Sunday can be celebrated on either January 18 or 25, or at a convenient date in your church calendar.
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Bulletin Insert
This year’s bulletin inserts feature the scriptures shared in the video “The Gift of Life”, and include a link so you can share this video with friends and family.
How to introduce “The Gift of Life” Video…
Please note: We are excited to share “The Gift of Life” video with you, however, we ask that you only use this video as a preview until January, when AFL officially releases it.
As a church that believes it is important to honor life, we are happy to observe Sanctity of Life Sunday. This year Anglicans For Life has provided a wonderful video that captures what the Bible tells us in Psalm 139, that God knits each person together in our mother’s womb and we are uniquely created to bring Him glory. “The Gift of Life”, is an inspiring video that captures the ‘knitting together’ of life, narrated from the Scriptures. Our prayer is that watching this video will inspire you to celebrate and honor life during Sanctity of Life Sunday and throughout the year!
How Should I Observe Sanctity of Life Sunday?
Life is sacred from conception to natural death. AFL has identified three key areas that you can choose to focus on during a Sanctity of Life Sunday service.
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- God as the Creator of Life and that every human has inherent dignity because we are made in His image– there are a myriad of Scriptures that highlight these characteristics of God.
- The humanity of the preborn baby in the womb that should be protected from abortion. AFL’s new “The Gift of Life” video highlights the development of the baby from conception to 9 months with narrated from the Scriptures.
- The dignity at the end-of-life and how we can respect and value the elderly and geriatric. While on the other side of the life span, the eldest in our homes and congregations are as sacred as the unborn baby and need protection from abuse, exploitation, and pressure to embrace assisted suicide.
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AFL Resources to help observe
Sanctity of Life Sunday
Sermons
Find inspiration at AFL’s Sermon Library, an archive of teachings preached by our clergy friends.
Life Lectionary
Looking for a reflection that coincides with the Lectionary Readings for Sanctity of Life Sunday? Visit AFL’s Life Lectionary. These can be used for sermon preparation or Life-Affirming Bible Study.
Canons
Also remember, we must teach God’s people that the inherent dignity of every human being is not conferred by political affiliation or ideology, but by the Creator Himself – a truth recognized in the founding Canons of the ACNA. TITLE II, Canon 8, Section 3 and 4 read:
God, and not man, is the creator of human life. The unjustified taking of life is sinful. Therefore, from conception to natural death all members and Clergy are called to protect and respect the sanctity of every human life.
The Church is called upon to show Christ-like compassion to those who have fallen into sin, encouraging them to repent and receive forgiveness, and offering the ministry of healing to all who suffer physically, or emotionally as a result of such sin.
Life-Affirming Scriptures Booklet
This booklet includes a list of Life-Affirming Scriptures and a variety of Bible stories focused on pregnancy, life, death, sin, and the Sanctity of Life. You can access the document here.
Litanies
You can choose from a variety of litanies to include in your Sanctity of Life Sunday service, so the prayers reflect the theme of the service.