Weekly Prayer Update
Turkey: Imprisoned Pastor’s Trial Bumped Again
May 29, 2018

Read this and other attacks on faith from Weekly Prayer Update 5/22/18 to 5/28/18

“The American Center for Law and Justice says an outrageous miscarriage of justice continues in Turkey.The Christian-based legal group is referring to the trial of 50-year-old American evangelical pastor Andrew Brunson. The North Carolina native is charged with terrorism and espionage, despite his 23 years of service to the Turkish people.” Read more here.

Prayer and Action

Living our faith means it impacts everything we do. Paul encourages unceasing prayer, and James makes a strong point that faith without works is dead. Have you considered how to positively impact your sphere of influence with the values and care that are derived from faith?

National Praises Points  

Following are a few of the positive advancements we’ve seen in the area of Religious Freedom in recent years. There has been much progress, but there is much to do. Please keep praying!

  • The White House recently signed Executive Order for the “Establishment of a White House Faith and Opportunity Initiative.
  • White House issued legal guidelines to protect Freedom of Conscience.
  • Department of Justice issued updated manual with strong leadership on First Freedoms.
  • Department of Justice reinforces that government should not coerce Americans to violate their deeply held beliefs. Governments “may not … truncate the First Amendment by compelling a person to create a piece of artwork—particularly one that violates the artist’s conscience.”
  • HHS announced new Conscience and Religious Freedom Division.
  • Sam Brownback appointed as Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom.
  • States are passing several bills to protect our Judeo-Christian heritage and religious freedom.

‘Undeniable’ – Updated Religious Liberty Report

First Liberty created a cumulative compilation of recent documented instances of hostility toward free religious exercise. It is often cited by lawmakers, educators, opinion leaders, and the media.


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. View a model school policy on invocations before games here.

AR: Atheist Groups Sue to Remove Ten Commandments Monument from Arkansas State Capitol 

“Two atheist groups have filed a lawsuit against the state of Arkansas for a Ten Commandments monument erected in April after a man destroyed the first one by ramming it with his car last summer. Three years ago, Arkansas passed a law allowing the monument to be built. The Ten Commandments marker was placed on the grounds in June of last year and according to NPR, lasted less than 24 hours before Michael T. Reed II ran into it with his car. Reed is currently being held in the Arkansas State Mental Hospital, according to radio station KUAR.A new marker had just been installed on the Capitol grounds last month with barricades to protect it.  In lawsuits filed Wednesday in US District Court, the American Humanist Association and the Freedom From Religion Foundation argue that the monument violates the First Amendment.”

CA: AB 2943 – Take Action Now

“AB 2943 poses an imminent threat to civil liberties in California. It does little to protect LGBT persons and only limits the number of perspectives (and assistance) they have access to, while setting a dangerous, Orwellian precedent for government-mandated censorship…This expansive law would impose widespread censorship that could implicate authors, speakers, counselors, colleges and universities, and even religious leaders seeking to address unwanted same-sex attraction or gender identity confusion. The bill has passed the General Assembly and is in a senate committee. Use these Talking Points when calling your senator or the Governor

CA: Bible Studies Prevail Over Homeowners Assoc.

“After a homeowners association banned Christians from holding Bible studies and other faith-based gatherings in common areas of a retirement community in California, attendees challenged and won the dispute to receive a settlement.”

IL: Valedictorian Told To Not Mention Jesus At Graduation

“After 18-year-old Sam Blackledge worked hard to become valedictorian at his Illinois high school, he was recently prevented him from mentioning Jesus at his recent graduation ceremonies.”

IL: FFRF Works To End Superintendent’s Career Over References To Religion

From FFRF site:”A concerned district staff member reported to FFRF that Effingham Unit #40 District Schools Superintendent Mark Doan has been promoting his personal religious beliefs in emails to staff. Typically this promotion has been in attached email ‘notes’ and involving holidays. For example, in November of 2016 Doan emailed his staff a Thanksgiving note titled ‘Remembering the Goodness of God’…”

MD: Fourth Circuit Calling For War Memorial In Shape Of Cross To Be Demolished 

CPCF Legal Team: The case involves the Bladensburg Peace Cross, a memorial to area men who died in the First World War. It has stood since 1925 without bothering anyone until in 2014 the American Humanist Association felt that the monument violates the Constitution’s establishment clause. The district judge tossed the case, holding that the tiny amount of government money that is spent on upkeep does not endorse religion. The Fourth Circuit held 2-1 that this offends the First Amendment. On the petition for rehearing en banc the court declined by 8-6. Pray that the Supreme Court takes this case and reverses the Fourth Circuit ruling.

MI: Counselor Claims She Was Fired For Belief On Marriage

“‘Be a social worker first, and a Catholic second.’ That’s what a therapist claims she was told just before she was fired. Now she’s taking her former employer to court.”

TX: UPDATE: Cheerleaders Sued For Bible Verse

“Kountze School District continues to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to fight cheerleaders over run-through banners that have scripture on them. It started 6 yrs ago & First Liberty has won the battle 3 x’s but the school district won’t let it go. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! 


National Prayer Opportunities

Prayer for the American Prayer Caucus Network, 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.

The American Prayer Caucus Network is a nationwide network of nearly 1,000 federal and state elected leaders who are standing for faith and impacting the culture. Please join us in 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.

The Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation

The Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation, a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization created to support government leaders who wish to partner prayer with legislative and citizen action to protect our Judeo-Christian heritage and religious freedom.  Please pray for the Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation team, our State Directors, legal team, Board of Directors, web developers, technical team, production team, design and graphics team, CPCF intercessors and donors.

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