Ministries of Mercy - Life Ministries at 6363 9th Avenue North , St. Petersburg, FL 33710 US - Guidelines for Pro-Life Activity at Abortion Clinics

Preamble: The intent of these guidelines is to ensure that diocesan and parish pro-life activities are carried out in accordance with Gospel values and the law. To that end all participants should understand and accept these goals when participating in any pro-life activity.

1. Only those who respect the law are permitted to use diocesan or parish property as a gathering area before going to an abortion facility for a peaceful assembly.
2. If local laws or an injunction regarding a particular abortion facility have been issued, all should obey the law or injunction.
3. Commitment to the pro-life philosophy must be the basis all of public prayer and demonstration. To this end, all involved must recognize and accept the need for responsibility, discipline and respect.
4. No derogatory or potentially inflammatory signs should be carried or displayed during pro-life prayer vigils or during clinic hours when sidewalk counseling could take place. There should, likewise, be no verbal abuse in front of the clinics. Pro-life groups should maintain a loving presence that seeks to change the heart and mind of a woman or couple who has come for an abortion.
5. Those who reject or ignore these diocesan policies will be asked to leave. If they refuse, the diocesan Office of Life Ministry should be notified.
6. All other concerns or questions should be referred to the diocesan Office of Life Ministry immediately.

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