Background and Sponsorship

The debate was held at Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., on April 11, 1995, and broadcast live on C-SPAN.

Sponsors were the Theological Education Institute, Christian Legal Society, National Organization of Episcopalians for Life, Campus Crusade for Christ, and the National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League. One in a series of "Mars Hill Forums" held on leading university campuses, it features Rev. John Rankin, who invites the most competent critics of his evangelical worldview into public dialogue. His guests are asked to pose him the three most important questions they think he must grapple with, and he insists on not knowing the questions ahead of time. He responds, they interact, and the audience participates.

About the Participants

Kate Michelman appears frequently in the national media as a spokeswoman for reproductive choice. She spoke on abortion at the 1996 and 2000 Democratic National Conventions, and she is president of the National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League (NARAL). Address: NARAL, 1156-15th St., NW, Washington, D.C. 20005. www.naral.org

John Rankin headed up the largest pro-life organization in New England, and was active in peaceful, non-blockade presence outside abortion clinics. He is author of First the Gospel, Then Politics... and president of the Theological Education Institute (TEI). Address: TEI, 150 Trumbull St., 4th Floor, Hartford, CT 06103.  www.teinetwork.com