About Secret Sin… (The Initial Press Release 2007)
Encouragement to Embrace and Empower Silent Sufferers
Forgiveness is Available to Those Suffering from the Silent Sin of Abortion
(LOVELAND, CO)_–One in three women will have an abortion by the age of 45, and half of those will have a second abortion. Despite the church’s view on this controversial topic, more than 70 percent of these women consider themselves religious or Christian.
In her ministry work, author Mary Comm has learned there are few places for people to turn in the Christian community following the trauma of having or participating in an abortion, leaving them vulnerable and susceptible to depression, shame, addiction and other negative coping mechanisms. In her book Secret Sin: When God’s People Choose Abortion (Morgan James Publishing, March 2007), Comm gives other Christians the knowledge, understanding and compassion necessary to help those who have suffered from the shame of past abortions.
Comm describes how many women feel trapped and pressured into their abortion and need to view the church as a safe haven to discuss their dilemma, but that many Christian women and men will not seek help from Christian friends and their church family after abortions because of the guilt of their sin. Comm encourages pastors and other church leaders to create a safe atmosphere of forgiveness in order to transform the lives of these women. Comm raises awareness of those suffering silently due to past abortions and empowers not only church leaders but the entire congregation to minister Christ’s love, forgiveness and reconciliation to the broken hearts and hurting souls in their community and how to create a safe haven in their church.
Secret Sin was written by a Christian who believes that the millions of walking wounded who suffer the grief from a secret abortion need to forgive themselves and realize that they are not alone and that God still loves them. Comm gives advice to these women and men on how to find peace, but also to those who have the power to reach out and show them God’s true love.
“Jesus heals broken hearts and souls of women in need of forgiveness. If we Christians cannot show them the grace and mercy of Jesus then who will?” asks Comm.
Comm reveals:
- Why even pro-life women feel forced into abortions
- The spiritual, physical and emotional toll of abortion
- Who all can be affected by one person’s abortion
- Why Christians should have compassion for those suffering from past abortions
Mary Comm was the Founder & President of In Our Midst Ministries, Inc. (IOM), a non-profit organization, from 2003-2013. IOM was established for the dual purposes of raising awareness in the church regarding those suffering silently due to a past abortion, and equipping churches with the knowledge and information needed to meet these hurting people at the point of their need.
Praise for Secret Sin
I was encouraged by Mary’s book Secret Sin. Reading this book inspired me to persevere in proclaiming the message of hope and healing in the churches. For those “1 in 3” suffering after an abortion sitting in our pews, Secret Sin creates a sense of urgency. It leaves one feeling it is possible to respond to the cries for help in the Body of Christ. Included are great tools for presentations and stories that will capture the heart.
Linda Cochrane
Author, Forgiven and Set Free
It’s time for the church to take a hard look at those in our own congregations that feel the hurt of abortion. Mary Comm does a splendid job of opening this dark room that exists and shows us the need to be Christ to those that desperately need it.
Mark S. Gaines
Associate Pastor
Eagle Heights Church
Oklahoma City, OK
This is a must read for any pastor or church leader. Mary Comm addresses a topic that is relevant to the 21st century church. She does a wonderful job of addressing a sense of dualism within the Evangelical Church today regarding the issue of abortion. Unfortunately that dualism sends a mixed message of pro-life on the outside but shame to those on the inside wounded by the choice to abort their child.
As a mental health therapist, I believe that the issue of abortion alone is the number one unspoken contributing factor to divorce within the church walls. Until the church becomes a culture of healing for the women and men who have been wounded by abortion within the congregation, the resulting destruction in the family will look no different and often worse than the world as a whole.
Gregory Hasek, MA/MFT LPC
Executive Director
Misty Mountain Family Counseling Center
Mary Comm has provided the Body of Christ with a timely reminder of what we exist for: to provide a safe environment for hurting people to find release from the sins that hold them in bondage. Secret Sin is a necessary resource for every Christian who desires to understand the truth about abortion and the right response to this devastating issue according to God’s Word.
RG Simmert, Pastor
President
SafeHaven Ministries
www.postabortionpain.com
The church is beginning to see the need that exists in the pews…so many people in the pews whose lives have been impacted by abortion. Secret Sin: When God’s People Choose Abortion educates church leaders and congregations how to help those who are hurting. Mary Comm presents a clear and compelling message, “God’s love is here for you.”
Ken Surritte
Hearts and Hands International Inc.
www.hhii.org