Uptown Fellowship procession organizers say they are hoping for upward of 300 vehicles to join in a symbolic funeral procession through the Uptown community, Saturday, May 9, the day before Mother’s Day, to mourn the victims of abortion in Minnesota.
Anyone who is concerned about the lives lost to abortion is invited to participate.
"Billed as a 'Procession of Healing', the event is intended to focus on grieving the loss of life from abortion. It is a place to find mercy, through forgiveness, for the decision that has brought regret, and to begin a process of healing and restoration," said Brian Hammond, local pastor from
Uptown Fellowship, one of several local churches and organizations expected to participate.
“Our aim is to separate ourselves from the politics that has brought so much controversy,” Hammond said. "This is not a political message, or to prove a point," added Hammond. "It is what it is. It is a funeral; a time to remember, grieve, and bring closure to a precious life."
Hammond added that “anyone impacted by abortion is invited to come grieve and seek closure during the procession scheduled for 10 am, Saturday, May 9. The procession is also intended to recognize the average of 15,000 abortions in Minnesota each year, as estimated by the Minnesota Department of Health."
"Steve Fatow, pastor of Trinity Chapel, Knoxville, Tennessee, had the original vision for the first Procession of Healing held last year in Knoxville," said Hammond. "This year the procession will take place once again in Knoxville and in five other locations, including Minneapolis."
"Fatow shared his vision last October in Minneapolis," said Anita Jenssen, Communications Director for
Procession of Healing, Minneapolis. "His message grabbed my heart and I knew I had to get involved."
"Living through the sorrow of abortion is something I know first hand," said Jenssen, "and a choice I now regret. Though I knew I could accept God's forgiveness, the grieving and healing was painful and slow. Because of my shame, I walked through it alone," Jenssen said.
"This procession is an opportunity for everyone involved with abortion to know that God still loves you and your child," said Jenssen, "and to realize that help and hope are within reach."
"We want everyone to know, God loves you and wants to heal you from the choice you now regret. He will forgive you. He is always willing and desires to reach out and heal you," echoed Hammond.
Uptown Fellowship is working with local area churches and organizations to get the word out. Uptown has created a web site that offers counseling options and abortion alternatives.
State Chaplain Dan Hall, provider of chaplain support to legislators and staff at the Minnesota Capitol, told Hammond, "This procession is vitally important for the healing of so many who have been hurt through abortion. This needs to be an annual event." Hall, himself a father of eight, has offered to help raise awareness of the event.
The procession will be led by a hearse, donated by Premier Coach Sales and chauffeured by owner Paul Holmberg.
The procession itself will not include signs or banners of any sort, Hammond explained. Each vehicle will be simply marked with a black flag with a white cross.
Sue Keenan, Spokesperson for Procession of Healing, Minneapolis, noted that a local funeral chapel has offered to coordinate vehicles prior to the procession.
"Come be a part of the procession," said Hammond. "Join us in the parking lot of Lake Calhoun Executive Center at 3033 Excelsior Boulevard. You will receive a flag to mount on your car. At 10 am, cars will line up, followed by a brief memorial service at 10:30 am, with the procession beginning at 11 am."
"This is a time of heaviness and mourning," Keenan said, "but also a time to begin healing."
Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty has signed a life-saving bill, SF 2083. This bill prohibits state funds toward human cloning that would have destoyed the sanctity of life in Minnesota.
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