The Lawyers' Christian Fellowship (LCF) is calling on Christians to rally outside the Houses of Parliament this October in a show of opposition to abortion on the 40th anniversary of the Abortion Act.

The LCF said that this autumn the church was "facing one of the most critical moments in the fight against abortion" since the Abortion Act was passed in October 1967.

"This October, 40 years after the passing of the Abortion Act, Christians across the nation are standing up and being counted, refusing to be silent about the taking of innocent lives and the trauma that has been caused to women and families who have been affected by abortion," said the LCF.

A rally outside Parliament has been planned for 2pm on 27 October to "demonstrate that the current situation is no longer acceptable".

"This is a chance for the church to show we are serious about making a difference, and to make up for the lost time when we have been all too silent on behalf of the unborn child," said the LCF.

The LCF also appealed to Christians to speak out against the draft Human Tissue and Embryos Bill expected to be introduced in Parliament this autumn.

The Christian group said that the Bill would "further attack the dignity and value of the human embryo" and likely reopen the abortion debate in Parliament.

"One thing is clear; the coming months present a unique opportunity for Christians to speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves. We would ask you to be alert, be prayerful, and be ready to take action," said the LCF.

"The tide is beginning to turn in the abortion debate in this country, as more and more people are dissatisfied with high abortion rates, and increasing information is available about the humanity of the embryo."

A number of churches across England will be holding special services of remembrance, healing and hope to mark the 40th anniversary of the Abortion Act, including Westminster Cathedral, Salford Cathedral and Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral.

Around 6.7 million abortions have taken place in the UK since 1967, and an average of 465 abortions continue to take place each day.

The LCF said, "We call upon every church leader and every Christian in our land not to squander this opportunity, but to take a stand for the unborn child."