A Message from The Most Rev. Donald W. Wuerl, Bishop of Pittsburgh

"Project Rachel," a post-abortion program of reconciliation, extends the hand of Christ to those in need of his healing power. As Christians, we know that all human life is sacred and must be cherished. We also recognize that abortion destroys the life of an unborn person. What many fail to realize is that there is a second victim in every abortion -- the woman who surrenders her unborn child to this tragic end.

Since the 1973 Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion, there is a growing collection of data that tells us of the devastating effect that abortion has on a woman. More and more, we are learning that the abortion procedure affects the spiritual and emotional life of the woman in a serious and enduring way.

Without diminishing in any manner our defense of the unborn, we want to offer compassion and reconciliation to those who are suffering because of an abortion experience. The sacrament of reconciliation is Christ's gift to his Church providing an immense capacity for healing through his continuing love experienced in confession. Christ -- the healer, the reconciler, the comforter who came to preach the good news of salvation and died for our sins -- continues to offer forgiveness for our sins through the wonderous gift of the sacrament of reconciliation.

If you or someone you know is seeking the gift of God's healing love after abortion, I encourage you to call the Project Rachel number (412) 456-3167. This step could be the begining of the journey back to the love and forgiveness that is God's gift to us in Christ Jesus.

Faithfully in Christ,

Donald W. Wuerl
Bishop of Pittsburgh
April 1995