We at If Not for Grace Ministries applaud and support October as the Respect for Life Month, designated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. This effort began in 1972 to call attention to numerous human life issues, promoting reflection and prayer for greater respect for human life. We agree with their website statement that says: “Many suffer after the loss of a child to abortion. By seeking healing or by sharing the possibility of healing to others, we can respond with hope in His mercy.” Our prayer would be that all churches might adopt this pro-grace stance and focus.
We would also challenge any church who claims to follow Christ and his teachings to intentionally establish a culture of grace, acceptance, healing and restoration for the abortion wounded who may silently suffer within their congregation. Statistics show that 1 in 6 women in the church have experienced an abortion. Untreated, festering emotional wounds lead to dysfunction in family, marriage, and other relationships. This dysfunction has been recognized as post-abortion stress syndrome, a form of PTSD.
Finally, we agree with Pope Francis when he said in the 2013 Day of Life Greeting: “even the weakest and most vulnerable, the sick, the old, the unborn and the poor, are masterpieces of God’s creation, made in his own image, destined to live forever, and deserving of the utmost reverence and respect.”
If Not For Grace Ministries offers a safe, confidential place to share the pain abortion has caused. Experience God’s transformational grace. Contact us at www.infg.org.
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