After Strong Demands, Pastors Hold Prayer Vigil Outside Houston Mayor’s Office

A group of Christian pastors and leaders will stand in solidarity with Houston pastors and send a clear message that the faith community will not be bullied or intimidated into surrendering their religious freedoms and rights.

The clergy will then conduct an afternoon prayer vigil outside of the office of Houston City Attorney David Feldman at 2 p.m.

Christian pastors and national leaders to travel to Houston on Tuesday to hold a news conference calling for Mayor Parker to withdraw subpoenas to local pastors.The City of Houston has demanded pastors turn over all their speeches, presentations and other materials related to their comments on the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO).

The Christian Defense Coalition, the National Clergy Council and the League for the Defense of Pastors were scheduled to hold a news conference today, Oct. 28, at 10 a.m.

After the news conference, the Christian leaders planned to go to Mayor Parker’s office in hopes of securing a face-to-face meeting to share their concerns.

The faith leaders will also discuss launching a national campaign to address Houston’s troubling crushing of the First Amendment and religious freedom should Houston fail to withdraw the subpoenas.

Rev. Rob Schenck, president of the National Clergy Council, states:

“Regardless of what the mayor’s and city’s intentions are or were, this is an egregious violation of a fundamental human right and constitutionally protected freedom.  History proves violations like this must be challenged early and relentlessly.”Church leaders of all denominations are organizing to support our colleagues in Houston.  We will not rest until justice is preserved and protected.”

Rev. Patrick Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, adds:

“Mayor Parker, it is troubling that your city has moved forward with such invasive actions which trample religious freedom guaranteed by the First Amendment.  This appears to be an attempt by your administration to intimidate and silence pastors, churches and community leaders who disagree with you on HERO.

“It is our hope that Houston would foster policies that would create an atmosphere of tolerance and openness in the public square and embrace the principles of free speech and the First Amendment.

“It is important for you to understand that pastors and churches all across America are standing in solidarity with the ‘Houston Five,’ as we fully understand this is not just an attack on five local pastors but an attack on every church and pulpit in America.

“In light of that, if the City of Houston continues to more forward with these subpoenas, potential fines and imprisonment for these pastors who refuse to comply, we will give a national call inviting thousands of Christians to come to Houston and stand for religious freedom, the First Amendment and free speech.”

Rev. Keith Tucci, President of the League for the Defense of Christian Pastors, shares:

“The intolerance and misuse of power will not be treated as a inconvenience but a violation to worship God freely.”