Priests for Life announced today that instead of
mounting a separate campaign calling attention to the Catholic Church's
services for women and others harmed by abortion, it will coordinate efforts
with an already existing Project Rachel campaign. Project Rachel is the name
given to most Church post-abortion services. Both campaigns utilize
billboard, as well as electronic and print advertising.
Meeting April 16 in Baltimore with Cardinal William H. Keeler, Chairman
of the bishops' Committee for Pro-Life Activities, Father Frank Pavone, National
Director of Priests for Life, said that he is aware of the post-abortion
ministry of many dioceses, and wants Priests for Life to be an added resource
and encouragement for programs already in use. "There is no need to initiate
separate campaigns with the same end, offering the same services," he said. He
added that "Priests for Life will continue to work in harmony with the goals of
the bishops, both nationally and at a diocesan level."
The national headquarters of Priests for Life is in Staten Island, New York.
Cardinal Keeler said he was "very pleased with this decision," and
expressed his gratitude and that of the Pro-Life Committee to Father Pavone and
those who work with him. He also called attention to the "enormous success of
the Church's outreach to those harmed by abortion," in its Project Rachel
campaign initially conducted in Baltimore/Washington D.C./Arlington early last
year. "This program reached so many," said Cardinal Keeler, "that the local
dioceses will sponsor a modified campaign again this spring, " and other
dioceses have already conducted or are preparing similar efforts.
Cardinal Keeler said he "looks forward to working more closely with
Priests for Life" in the future.
