People who speak for me:

James Dobson, Focus on the Family founder:

“We are shocked by the murder of George Tiller, and we categorically condemn the act of vigilantism and violence that took his life. America has from its foundation respected the rule of law, by which every citizen is guaranteed life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Those constitutional rights are forfeited only when crimes have been committed, and the perpetrator is charged and found guilty by a jury of his or her peers in a court of law.

“Tiller recently faced serious charges related to the killing of babies in violation of the law, by the most grotesque procedures administered without anesthetics or compassion. We profoundly regretted the outcome of his legal case, believing the doctor had the blood of countless babies on his hands. Nevertheless, he was exonerated by the court and declared “not guilty” in the eyes of the law. That is our system, and we honor it.

“Our condolences are extended to the Tiller family. The person or persons responsible for his death should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

The Rev. John Fuller, Harbor Lights Church in Colorado Springs, nondenominational, evangelical:

“It is sad that someone would go in and shoot the man. This brings nothing more than sorrow. To do this in a place of worship makes this shooting doubly sad.”

The Rev. Dave Markwalder, Gateway Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs:

“It is a tragedy. To protest abortion is to uphold life. To take this life is the opposite of what protesting abortion is about.”

Sister Anne Stedman, head of the Catholic Benedictine order at Benet Hill Monastery in Colorado Springs:

“Violence does not beget violence. There has to be another way to react when we feel strongly against abortion. Violence is not the answer.

The Rev. Bill Carmody, a pastor at St. Dominic’s parish in Security and leader of the anti-abortion movement for Catholics in Colorado Springs called the killing of abortion doctor George Tiller a tragedy.

“To me, it’s the height of hypocrisy to claim to be pro-life and then to kill an abortion doctor,” he said. “Violence has no place in our movement.”

A move like this, he said, will set back the anti-abortion movement and feed the stereotype that abortion opponents are radicals, he said.

Carmody leads a weekly vigil in front of Colorado Springs Planned Parenthood. He said that in the past he has prayed for abortion doctors.

“I wanted his conversion, I didn’t want his death,” he said.

Carmody said that he will continue to pray for Tiller.

“He is a child of God. He deserves our prayers and respect. I will pray for him and his soul and his family. This is not the way to end abortion.

I’m sure i will be made to feel that this is somehow my fault by the media because I do not support abortion. I myself could vote for someone who is pro choice, it is not the number one issue for me. However, I can’t help thinking this issue and the passionate response from both sides could have been avoided if it weren’t for Roe v Wade. Much like capital punishment, abortion rules and regulation should belong to each individual state. What a damn mess, and one that won’t go away for a long time.