Read this and other attacks on faith from Weekly Prayer Update 2/14-2/20
“Several states are joining forces to try to keep the government out of church policy. Embroiled in a dispute over pastoral compensation, a number of pastors in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America filed suit in March 2015 in a Minnesota district court to protect their religious freedom under the Uniform Prudent Investor Act. The UPIA, which has been adopted by 47 states, requires investors to work in their clients’ best interests. The district court ruled against the pastors.” Read more here.
Many U.S. Presidents Made Religious Freedom A Priority
“Many U.S. Presidents made religious freedom a priority, but here are seven who stand out as making crucial advances at pivotal moments. We honor them on President’s Day. Learn more about 7 of our Presidents who championed religious liberty.”
Marine’s Religious Freedom Case Could Be Precedent-Setting
“A Christian law firm is petitioning the Supreme Court to review the case of a former Marine who was forced out of the military because she refused to take down Bible verses from her work cubicle.”
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.
State Prayer Points and Praise Reports
Religious Liberty Legislation
Continue praying consistently and fervently for the successful passage of legislation that effectively protects our Judeo-Christian heritage and religious liberty.
CA: Supreme Wants To Hear More On Religious Counseling Case
“The U.S. Supreme Court may be closer to accepting review of a case with far-reaching implications for churches, religious counselors, and religious freedom.
This week, the Court directed the State of California to respond to a Petition for Certiorari filed by Pacific Justice Institute on behalf of Christian counselors. Each year, the Supreme Court grants review to about 1% of the thousands of petitions and other requests it receives for review. When the Court orders an opposing party to file a responsive brief, it does not necessarily mean the Court will ultimately take the case, but the odds increase significantly.”
MO: The U.S. Supreme Court Agreed To Hear Important Case
“The U.S. Supreme Court announced that it will hear oral arguments April 19 in arguably the most important religious freedom case this term, the Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia v. Pauley. ADF represents a Christian preschool which was unlawfully discriminated against by the state of Missouri.”
“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.”
TN: HCDE Attorney Responds To Threat From FRFF
“Hamilton County Department of Education (HCDE) attorney D. Scott Bennett tells NewsChannel 9 he has responded to a letter sent to HCDE from the Freedom from Religion Foundation (FfRF) that expressed concern that a public school was endorsing one religion over another.”
WA: Floral Artist Asks US Supreme Court To Protect Her Freedom
“A Washington floral artist says she will ask the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse a decision Thursday by the state’s high court that concluded that the government can force her—and, by extension, other Washingtonians—to create artistic expression and participate in events with which they disagree.”
National Prayer Opportunities
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
Prayer for Religious Freedom Internationally
UN Committee Refuses To Accredit Religious Freedom Group
Prayer for The CPCF, Our Team, and Initiatives
Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation
American Prayer Caucus Network
PrayUSA: Government Leaders Calling The Nation To Prayer
Prayer for Others on the Religious Liberty Front
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
Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit, non-partisan organization. Contributions are tax-deductible in accordance with IRS rules and regulations. No funds are used for political or campaign activities.
National Strategic Center 
Join the movement in your state 
For APCN Members 
