CARDIFF, Wales, JULY 5, 2007 (Zenit.org).- The Church never condemns individual women who have abortions because most have been pressured into it, said Archbishop Peter Smith.
The archbishop of Cardiff, chair of the Department for Christian Responsibility and Citizenship, made this statement July 1, the Day for Life of the dioceses of England and Wales, which included special Masses marking the 40th anniversary of the Abortion Act in England, Scotland and Wales.
This year's event, titled "Blessed Is the Fruit of Your Womb," featured over 500,000 leaflets available to parishioners explaining what the Church means by pro-life and highlighting the practical, emotional and spiritual care offered by the Church to women and babies in need.
Archbishop Smith said: "We positively support young women who have become pregnant and don't know what to do.
"They need a lot of support, space and time for counseling and reflection to see that there are other ways that do not involve the killing of a human life.
"And for those men and women who are suffering the pain of an abortion, the Church will always be there for you. Christ is waiting for you in the sacrament of reconciliation."
Bishop Bernard Longley, auxiliary bishop for Westminster, said: "Raising awareness -- that's one of the principal purposes of Day for Life."
"This year," he added, "we want to highlight the terrible waste of life over the last 40 years."
ZE07070507 - 2007-07-05