Read this and other attacks on faith from Weekly Prayer Update 1/3/18 to 1/8/18

1. Decision in Masterpiece Cakeshop

“The justices heard oral arguments in Jack Phillips’ right-of-conscience case on December 5. The day after oral arguments, the justices met in their closed session, voted on the case, and assigned an author to write a majority decision. We don’t know how the justices voted or who is writing the majority decision. The justices will announce their decision sometime before the end of the term in late June. This will be one of the most-watched cases of the term.”

2. Will the Supreme Court grant review in the Rowan County legislative prayer case?

“ADF is watching what the justices do with this important follow-up case to ADF’s 2014 victory at the Supreme Court in Town of Greece v. Galloway, where the Supreme Court upheld the practice of opening town meetings with prayer given by a rotating list of local clergymen and other residents. The county board of Rowan County, North Carolina varied this practice by rotating through the members of the board. The American Civil Liberties Union challenged this practice, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit initially upheld the practice, but on further review agreed with the ACLU that the practice violated the Establishment Clause. All 15 judges on the Fourth Circuit heard the case and ruled against it 10-5. But in a second case, the federal appeals court for Michigan, the Sixth Circuit, also heard a case raising the same issue and upheld the practice of county board members praying to open a meeting, by a 9-6 vote last September. Although only two federal appeals courts have heard this issue about prayer by the members of a county board since Town of Greece was decided, it is extremely rare for two full courts sitting en banc to rule opposite ways on the same legal issue, and by nearly identical votes. Look for the Supreme Court to take up this petition in January. If the Court grants review, oral arguments will likely be in April, with a decision in late June.”

Other National Prayer Points  

International Prayer Points

Religious Liberty Is Eroding in Canada. Here’s What Americans Should Learn

“We may know of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s colorful socks, but little of how unpopular he is among his constituency. We may discuss the single-payer health care system, but are unfamiliar with the government’s disrespect for religious liberty of our neighbors to the north.”

State Prayer Points

Religious Liberty Legislation

Continue praying consistently and fervently for the successful passage of legislation that effectively protects our Judeo-Christian heritage and religious liberty. Also, pray that bills and resolutions that undermine our First Amendment Rights will be unsuccessful.

The CPCF legal team has researched best practices legislation and provided talking points on various religious freedom topics to assist legislators. Download their Report here.

AK: FFRF Blocks Church From Receiving Funds

From FFRF Site: “An Alaska city wisely chose not to dole out money to a local church after the Freedom From Religion Foundation raised objections to the proposed move.”

GA: Ex-Fire Chief Dismissed for His Faith Wins Big in Court

“A federal district court ruled Wednesday that the city of Atlanta violated a fire chief’s first amendment rights by terminating him for expressing his biblical views on marriage.”

LA: State To Students: Religious Expression Is Fundamental Right

“Public school students in Louisiana have new legal guidance about constitutionally-protected religious expression.”

MS: US Supreme Court Allows Mississippi To Protect Its Citizens Against Govt Coercion

“The U.S. Supreme Court declined Monday to disturb a state law protecting Mississippians against government discrimination, leaving in place a U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit ruling which concluded in June of last year that the law’s opponents didn’t demonstrate they have been or will be harmed by the law. The 5th Circuit therefore lifted an injunction that had been blocking the Protecting Freedom of Conscience from Government Discrimination Act (HB 1523) from going into effect.”

NC: Legislative Prayer Could Be Going To The Supreme Court – Again

“Rowan County in North Carolina asks the Supreme Court to uphold its policy pertaining to praying before public meetings and to clear up conflicting rulings on legislator-led prayer in lower courts. ADF attorneys are co-counsel in this case.”

PA: FFRF Upset At School District For Religious Baccalaureate Ceremony

From FFRF site: The Freedom From Religion Foundation is complaining about a Pennsylvania school district that has a recurring religious baccalaureate ceremony.

National Prayer Opportunities

Prayer for the Congressional Prayer Caucus, Their Families, and Staff

Congressional Prayer: Each week Congress is in session, members of Congressional Prayer Caucus meet before votes to pray in Room 219 of the U.S. Capitol. There are nearly 100 Members of the Congressional Prayer Caucus, an official bipartisan and bicameral caucus of the U.S. Congress. Please commit to praying daily for them, their families, and staff.

Pray for our President and all Those in Authority 

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” 1 Tim. 2, Psalm 91 

Include: Judicial Branch, Legislative Branch, Executive Branch, Military, Faith Leaders, First Responders, Etc.

PrayUSA – Government Leaders Calling The Nation to Prayer

In 2015, government leaders spearheaded an effort to call America back to God and prayer. Be part of the Movement — If you are a government leader, church or organization, you can add your name to the list of leaders who are committed to this Call to Prayer for America. Churches and Organizations can contact CPCF to be added to the list. Government Leaders will be automatically added when you sign the Proclamation (document or online). Sign the Proclamation or host a PrayUSA Sunday. 

Join the Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation Prayer Team! 

Email me to join the CPCF Prayer Team! Commit to praying for the Members and families of the Congressional Prayer Caucus, The American Prayer Caucus Network, and the CPCFoundation.

Prayer for Anti-Faith Groups

Freedom From Religion Foundation
ACLU
AHA
Secular Coalition for America
Military Religious Freedom Foundation

 For more information about this prayer initiative, contact Summer Ingram, National Director of Prayer and Mobilization for the Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation. 

www.CPCFoundation.com