“A group fighting against bible classes in primary schools is pushing for the United Nations to examine religious discrimination in New Zealand.”
Read this and other attacks on faith from Weekly Prayer Update 1/16-1/23
“A school district in Washington state has reversed its decision banning a Christian group from distributing flyers to elementary students. Cascade School District halted Child Evangelism Fellowship and its Good News Club from distributing promotional flyers last year following a parental complaint.” Read more here.
“The ERLC (Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission) has submitted an amicus brief in an important case affecting the future of student privacy, religious liberty, and parental rights in local schools that is set to be argued at the Supreme Court this Spring. In Gloucester County School Board v. G.G., the court is set to offer an opinion on two main issues: (1) Whether courts should defer to a government agency’s interpretation of a statute; (2) whether the Department of Education’s interpretation of Title IX’s sex discrimination prohibition lawfully allows for “gender identity” to fit into the definition of sex discrimination.”
For anyone who thinks religious discrimination is non-existent in America, the attorneys at First Liberty Institute have a different story. First Liberty announced the release of Undeniable: The Survey of Hostility to Religion in America (2016). It is available online here, free of charge.
Religious Liberty Legislation
Continue praying consistently and fervently for the successful passage of legislation that effectively protects our Judeo-Christian heritage and religious liberty.
IL: School District Bans Students From Announcing Prayer Meeting
“An Illinois school district banned students from announcing prayer meetings over the school’s Facebook page in September 2016. According to the Christian Post, the statement came after a student used Wayne City High School’s official Facebook page to advocate for Bring Your Bible to School Day.”
MS: Governor Weighs In On Freedom And Defends Anti-Coercion Law
“Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant argued forcefully in favor of the state’s law protecting Mississippians against government discrimination in a brief filed late Friday with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit. In the brief, Bryant and his attorney team, which includes attorneys with Alliance Defending Freedom, answered arguments against the law levied by those who filed suit to leave citizens without its protections. Bryant filed his opening brief with the 5th Circuit in October of last year…The Protecting Freedom of Conscience from Government Discrimination Act, HB 1523, protects citizens, public servants, businesses, and religious institutions from government reprisal for operating publicly according to their belief that marriage is reserved for one man and one woman, that sexual activity is intended only for married couples, and that one’s biological sex cannot change. Bryant signed the overwhelmingly popular bill into law in April 2016, but a federal district court granted a request to block it shortly thereafter.”
“The Fourth Circuit issued an order granting a rehearing en banc in Lund v. Rowan County. In September, a three-judge panel issued a decision upholding the county’s prayer practice, but plaintiffs filed a petition for rehearing, which was granted. The case is tentatively scheduled for oral argument during January 24-26. As amici, the brief filed on behalf of the Members of Congress will be refiled with the court at this stage.”
NY: Port Jarvis Settles Lawsuit Over Worship Zone Law
“The city of Port Jervis, New York agreed to repeal a downtown ban on places of worship to settle a U.S. government lawsuit claiming that it discriminated against a church that had contracted to buy property near the site of a planned brewpub.”
OR: Gig Harbor Nativity Drama Adds Another Chapter
“Two national special-interest legal groups have set their sights on Gig Harbor, preparing for a showdown between religious liberty and constitutional rights. Gig Harbor skipped its annual nati0vity scene in 2016 after the city received legal threats from the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Now, another national organization has set its sights on Gig Harbor and is prepared for a fight.”
Congressional Prayer Caucus
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 over 100 Members of the Congressional Prayer Caucus, a bipartisan and bicameral caucus, that is spearheading a strategic movement of national, state and local leaders and citizens who are working together to promote prayer, protect religious freedom and restore, upgrade and popularize America’s founding spirit and the principles related to faith and morality that shaped this Great Republic. Please commit to praying for them, their families, and staff daily.
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.
Join people from across the nation for 24/7 Worship in Washington DC. They welcome worship teams from every tribe, tongue, nation, denomination, and all 50 U.S. states. Learn more here
New Zealand: Secular Education Network appeals bible battle to UN committee
Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation
American Prayer Caucus Network
PrayUSA: Government Leaders Calling The Nation To Prayer
There are many organizations on the front lines that need our prayers.
Alliance Defending Freedom, ACLJ, Becket Fund, Liberty Counsel, Liberty Institute, Family Research Council, The Heritage Foundation, Chaplain Alliance For Religious Liberty and any others that come to mind.
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