WATCH: Todd Starnes Defends Religious Liberty in Houston

Last night “I Stand Sunday,” a live simulcast featuring Christian leaders including Family Research Council President Tony Perkins, Gov. Mike Huckabee, Dr. Ronnie Floyd, Dr. Rick Scarborough and the Houston pastors targeted by the city’s mayor, reached into 765 churches, and nearly 3,000 home groups. 

Nearly 7,000 people were in attendance at the host church, Grace Community Church, in Houston, Texas. So far more than 65,000 viewers have sent text messages taking the pledge to vote. With only two weeks notice, churches across the country quickly signed up to simulcast “I Stand Sunday” in a demonstration of solidarity with the pastors and churches in Houston, Texas, who have been harassed by the city’s mayor because they publicly challenged her efforts to advance policies that are in direct conflict with biblical morality. 

“‘I Stand Sunday’ was an unprecedented moment as Christians came together to stand for religious freedom in America,” said Family Research Council President Tony Perkins. “The courageous pastors of Houston now know that they are not standing alone. Last night, 765 churches and nearly 3,000 home groups made a declaration that they are standing for religious freedom and will not be silenced,” added Perkins. 

While the subpoenas have been withdrawn, this wasn’t about subpoenas or sermons. This is really about political intimidation. I pray that God will take what was done last night and use it to ignite something in the hearts of His people that could transform this nation, concluded Perkins. The simulcast, cosponsored by Family Research Council, Vision America, Alliance Defending Freedom and Christians Vote, featured Duck Dynasty’s Phil and Al Robertson, the Benham Brothers, Fox News columnist and commentator Todd Starnes, among others.