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For APCN Members 
Read this and other attacks on faith from Weekly Prayer Update 5/29/18 to 6/4/18
Back in July of 2012, Jack Phillips, the owner of Masterpiece Cakeshop in Lakewood, Colorado, was sued by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission for running his business according to his deeply held beliefs. After several very challenging years in court, today the United States Supreme Court ruled in favor of protecting First Amendment Rights!
Though others might state otherwise, this case is not about overt discrimination, it’s not about gender identity or choices, and it’s not about one person telling another person how to live his or her life. This win determined that government cannot force someone to violate his or her conscience. A Jewish baker whose mother was a Holocaust survivor cannot be forced to decorate a cake with swastikas for a neo-Nazi activist. An African-American baker cannot be forced to decorate a cake with offensive symbols for a Ku Klux Klan member. And so on. Every American, regardless of where they are on the political spectrum, should be thankful for this outcome. 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
Win For Our National Motto, In God We Trust!
“A federal appellate court has just dismissed an atheist lawsuit, agreeing once again with our arguments that the National Motto – In God We Trust – does not violate the Constitution.”
Other Praises!
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!
‘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.
International Prayer Points
“Christians are facing the threat of murder, rape and torture around the world, with new areas around the world emerging as the next “hotbed” for persecution. Learn more.
Turkey: Imprisoned Pastor’s Trial Bumped Again
“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.”
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.”
“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.
CO: University Admits ‘Mistake’ Banning Jesus
“Colorado Mesa University has rescinded its demand that a Christian student scrub references to Jesus and a Bible verse from her speech during a pinning ceremony for the school‘s nursing program, one of the nation‘s top conservative religious freedom law group has announced.”
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: Family Famers Allowed To Sell Again
“The East Lansing Farmer’s Market kicks off its season tomorrow, and for the first time in two years, Country Mill Farms will be back selling its organic apples and other products. This small victory comes after a federal judge issued an order in September that allows Country Mill to return to the farmer’s market while their civil liberties lawsuit against East Lansing proceeds. But the case is far from over. . .”
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
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.
