Life can be complicated, and in a world of changing technology and cultural trends, so can understanding all the issues that impact the pro-life movement.

The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph and the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas are coming together to respond to this challenge by sponsoring their first-ever Gospel of Life Convention, which will take place from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 12 at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park, Kan.

“We live in a complex world, and the attacks on the dignity of human life are becoming more complex,” Adrienne Hynek, director of the Respect Life Office at the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, said. “I think this day will be an opportunity for people to learn about God’s plan for life.”

The convention will host speakers from around the region and as far away as Washington, D.C., who will talk about hotly contested topics such as stem cell research, abortion, end-of-life issues and the death penalty. The topics are meant both for people who already are pro-life and want to gain a more sophisticated understanding of pro-life issues and for people who question pro-life teachings, Ms. Hynek said.

“It can be hard to live out Catholic or Christian faith,” she said. “This is a chance to better understand how to apply that faith to life.”

Booths at the convention manned by representatives from organizations such as pregnancy resource centers will give people a chance to put their pro-life beliefs into action. These booths will offer a wide range of opportunities for people to volunteer with organizations if they feel compelled to do so, Ms. Hynek said.

Volunteer opportunities also are available for people who would be willing to help with set-up, baby-sitting and other tasks at the convention, volunteer Mark Robertson said. To learn more, contact him at msjrobertson@sbcglobal.net or (816) 252-7629.

The cost to attend the Gospel of Life Convention is $24 for adults and $15 for students if registration is received by April 7. This covers lunch and beverages throughout the day.

For more information about the conference or to register online, go to www.diocese-kcsj.org/respectlife.

Erin Wisdom can be reached at

ewisdom@npgco.com.