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For APCN Members 
Read this and other attacks on faith from Weekly Prayer Update 6/25/18 to 7/2/18
“The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in favor of the National Institute of Family and Life Advocates in the case, NIFLA v. Becerra today marking a victory for free speech, religious liberty and the sanctity of human life. Under the precedent set by today’s Supreme Court ruling, pro-life centers cannot be required to compromise their principles by being forced to provide information to their patients on ways to obtain an abortion. The Court also struck down disclosure requirements for pregnancy resource centers that would have made the promotion of a pro-life message practically impossible.” 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 today?
National Praises Points
U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Sixth Circuit Decision In Support Of Legislative Prayer
“The Supreme Court of the United denied review of the Sixth Circuit’s decision opposing legislator-led prayer as un constitutional. The ruling, in favor of Jackson County, MI, will allow county commissioners to continue to open public meetings with prayer, a long-standing tradition of both federal and state legislators since the founding of our country.”
U.S. Supreme Court Leaves Fourth Circuit Decision Rejecting Commissioners’ Freedom To Pray
“In Rowan County, North Carolina, the ACLU is attacking the county’s prayer policy, which allows each county commissioner, on a rotating basis, to seek Divine guidance with a prayer or have a moment of silence to start their meetings. The long-standing tradition is completely voluntary for the commissioners as well as those in attendance—no one is required to participate.
Opening public meetings with prayer has been a common practice since our nation’s founding. As Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas noted, “For as long as this country has had legislative prayer, legislators have led it.” It’s a freedom that has been previously protected by the United States Supreme Court. In the case of Town of Greece v. Galloway back in 2014, the Court held that Americans should have the freedom to pray without being censored, even when opening public meetings. The elected officials in these meetings deserve that same freedom.
Unfortunately, the United States Supreme Court will not weigh in on the case of Rowan County v. Lund. That decision leaves in place a decision rejecting these commissioners’ freedom to pray.”
Federal Judge Rules That Police Officers Can’t Pray
“The city council of Ocala, Florida, has decided to fight back after a federal judge ruled that the city and its police chief violated the Constitution by promoting and holding a prayer vigil. U.S. District Judge Timothy Corrigan ruled in May that Police Chief Greg Graham and city leaders broke the Establishment Clause by organizing, promoting and holding a 2014 prayer vigil after a drive-by shooting injured several children.”
The CPCF legal team is working with the Florida Legislative Prayer Caucus to ensure the First Amendment rights of police officers, and all Americans, are protected. Police officers don’t leave their faith at the door of the police department.
Appointment Of Nominee To Replace Retiring Supreme Court Justice – July 9th
The nominee to replace retiring Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy will be announced on July 9. Pray for a Justice who understands the importance of upholding the original intent of our First Amendment Rights, and who will advance and protect our Judeo-Christian heritage. Prayers for a quick and easy confirmation.
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.
IA: Judge Protects Freedom Of Conscience For Universities
“After seven years, a federal district court judge in Iowa has permanently stopped the enforcement of Former President Barack Obama’s birth control mandate at two Christian colleges – so that both are no longer forced to provide health insurance coverage for contraception and abortion-inducing drugs.”
KS: U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Right To Pray
“In a surprise action…the U.S. Supreme Court summarily reversed a lower court ruling in the case Sause v. Bauer, in which attorneys for First Liberty Institute and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, represent Mary Anne Sause.“The Supreme Court’s decision today is a just outcome for Ms. Sause and a victory for religious liberty,” said Kelly Shackelford, President and CEO of First Liberty. “No American citizen should ever be ordered by government officials not to pray in their own home.”
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.
OR: Supreme Court Denies Sweet Cakes
The Oregon Supreme Court denied the review of the Sweetcakes by Melissa case. First Liberty Institute’s appeal to The United States Supreme Court will take thousands of hours in analysis, preparation, & argument.
WA: Will Coach Kennedy Bring A Win For Religious Freedom?
“A former Bremerton High School assistant coach who was fired when he refused to stop praying on the football field after games may have his case heard by the U.S. Supreme Court. Attorneys on behalf of Joseph Kennedy filed a petition Monday asking Supreme Court justices to reverse a lower court decision that sided with the Bremerton School District’s decision to fire the coach after the 2015 season. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Kennedy’s appeal earlier this year that claimed the district infringed on his religious and personal rights.”
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
American Civil Liberties Union
American Humanist Association
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.
