Clinic supporters, opponents plan prayer services

Supporters of Aurora's Planned Parenthood facility will hold a Day of Prayer this week, as some clinic opponents hold their own services.

Area religious leaders are expected to announce today that Sunday will be a Day of Prayer in support of the center, which could open later this month.

The event, a response to on-site protests, aims to welcome the clinic and denounce what clinic supporters view as potential harassment and intimidation of patients.

Supporters include the retired Rev. Randall Doubet-King of the United Church of Christ and representatives from the Religious Coalition of Reproductive Choice and from Unitarian Universalist, Presbyterian, Protestant, Jewish, United Methodist and United Church of Christ religions.

These leaders hope to spread the word that "within every major world religious community, there are strong voices that understand their tradition as supportive of reproductive freedom," a release states.

The Diocese of Joliet held a Day of Prayer last Friday to promote an end to abortion.

Aurora's Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, 801 E. Eola Road, will host a special Mass at 7:30 p.m. today, led by Bishop J. Peter Sartain.

A recent letter from the Diocese of Joliet to parishioners urged them to speak out against the clinic.

"Prayer is our most powerful weapon," the letter reads. "Pray for a conversion of heart in those who support and work at abortion facilities."