ALERTTOPOn Watch in Washington - August 22, 2012
CANDIDATES ADDRESS THE 2012 VOTER BASE

Conventional wisdom dictates that Mr. Obama and Mr. Romney will spend the next 76 days assiduously courting the sliver of voters-somewhere between 5 percent and 10 percent of the electorate-who call themselves political independents and insist they remain genuinely undecided about which candidate to support.

According to tentative language obtained by CNN
, the Republican Party will consider a plank calling for an end to legalized abortion - with an exception for the life of the mother - at its national convention next week in Tampa, Fla. That's similar to planks the party adopted in 2000, 2004 and 2008. 

 

If Republicans adopt the draft platform, the party will endorse an amendment to the U.S. Constitution making it clear that preborn children have "a fundamental individual right to life which cannot be infringed." Other planks include opposition to federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, support for the use of ultrasounds and full disclosure about fetal development before abortions, as well as support for state-enforced abortion clinic regulations. The Democrats have already added to their 2012 platform that they endorse abortion legislation.

Commenting on the Republican platform, Tim Goeglein, Focus on the Family's vice president for external relations, stated: "That language reflects the fact "that the majority of Americans for the first time since Roe v. Wade, are pro-life."

Elections are, after all, decided by the ideological middle
; the two parties' bases are already aligned behind their candidates, and the trick is to persuade enough of those centrist independents to side with your, well, side, to win.

Except, of course, when it's not.

"The only thing undecided in this election is the TV anchors' ties on election night," said Dan Hazelwood, a Republican direct-mail consultant. "Both sides believe there is little chance for a dramatic shift in opinion, so that leaves trench political warfare as the default strategy. That means identifying and turning out your own supporters."

Heaps of national polling would seem to affirm Hazelwood's contention. Political polarization is at an all-time high, with even soft partisans already aligned behind either Obama or Romney. That has shrunk the middle of the electorate to single digits nationally. Simply put: There just aren't that many people left for the campaigns to convince-no matter how much money (and it will be lots of money) the two sides spend between now and Nov. 6.

Given that political reality, there is a strong case to be made that the two campaigns should spend most of their time/energy/money not trying to find and persuade independents and undecideds but rather trying to identify and rally their (already united) bases.

A base election-as opposed to an independents/undecideds/persuadables election-is not unheard of. In fact, you need to go back only two elections to find one. In 2004, we had a president with middling approval ratings on the issue of the day (the war in Iraq) and an opposition party strongly energized to oust him.

Celinda Lake, a Democratic pollster, acknowledged that 2012 is more a base election than a persuasion one but said that "it's both." She added: "Though 'undecideds' are small, you still have 15 percent of Obama voters and 25 percent of Romney voters who would consider voting for someone else. That's almost a quarter of the electorate that is undecided or swing." (Contributors: Citizen Link, CNN, Capitol Hill Prayer Partners, Focus on the Family, Excerpt from Chris Cillizza of the Washington Post, Real Clear Politics)

 

 

Pray that the platforms for both major party candidates reflect the will of God for our nation. Pray that both parties look closely at the stance they take on issues that are without compromise in God's Word, especially regarding abortion and marriage. Pray for righteous leadership to be established in all local, state and national elections.

 

"The God of Israel said, The Rock of Israel spake to me: One that ruleth over men righteously, That ruleth in the fear of God, He shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, A morning without clouds, When the tender grass springeth out of the earth, Through clear shining after rain." (2 Samuel 23:3-4)

  

This article has been condensed for this alert, but you can  <Click Here> to read our full report in PDF format.  

 

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FRC'S TONY PERKINS: "WE WILL NOT WAVER"

Last Wednesday, Family Research Council (FRC) was the target of what the FBI is calling an act of domestic terrorism. A gunman, identified as Floyd Corkins, invaded our headquarters in Washington, D.C., armed with a 9mm pistol, approximately 50 rounds of ammunition and 15 Chick-fil-A sandwiches.

The gunman was confronted by an unarmed member of the FRC staff, Leo Johnson. When the gunman pulled the gun from his backpack and aimed the weapon at Leo, Leo moved toward the gunman to disarm him. Despite being shot in the process, Leo was able to subdue the shooter and call for others on the staff, who helped admirably. One of the investigators, based on their preliminary findings, told me Leo's actions saved a lot of lives.

I was with Leo around midnight last Wednesday night in the recovery room when he came out of surgery. I told him he was a hero-not just in the opinion of his FRC colleagues, but in the opinion of people all across the nation. Still a bit groggy from the anesthesia, he said, "This hero business is hard work!"

Obviously, Leo hasn't lost his sense of humor. It will take time and more surgeries, but he will be back with us soon, for which we are all grateful. In the meantime, let me say thank you on behalf of the FRC team for the outpouring of concern and support for our colleague and friend, as well as for the entire FRC team who have been affected by this attack.

The New York Times stated, "Mr. Corkins, who had volunteered at a Washington community center for gay men and lesbians, 'has strong opinions with respect to those he believes do not treat homosexuals in a fair manner.'"

Our first freedoms of religion and speech are the cornerstone of our constitutional republic. If we lose or relinquish these liberties, we lose all others and our future. That's why we pursue our mission, advancing these foundational principles in public policy and the culture from a Christian worldview.

Jay Carney on behalf of Mr. Obama stated, "He's very concerned about the victim, the person who was shot and made clear to me and relayed this to the pool that he firmly believes that violence of that kind has no place in our society."

Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney stated, "I am appalled by the shooting today at the offices of the Family Research Council in our nation's capital. There is no place for such violence in our society. My prayers go out to the wounded security guard and his family, as well as all the people at the Family Research Council whose sense of security has been shattered by today's horrific events."

In an interview with WJLA-TV, Leo Johnson described how the shooter, Floyd Lee Corkins II, posed as an intern and opened fire without warning just before 11 a.m. on Wednesday morning.

 

(UPDATE) A Second Christian Conservative Organization Was Targeted

 

The Washington Post reported that "The head of a second Christian conservative organization said Friday she was told by authorities that a note containing her group's contact information was found in the pocket of a man charged with opening fire at the Washington offices of another such group, wounding a security guard."

Traditional Values Coalition President Andrea Lafferty said FBI agents visited her group's Capitol Hill offices hours after the Wednesday morning shooting as part of their investigation. The next day, she said, members of the Joint Terrorism Task Force came by and confirmed that "our information was in his pocket," including the location of the group's offices.

  

"I was stunned," Lafferty told The Associated Press, adding that she believes her group may have been targeted. (Contributors: Charisma News, CNS News, The New York Times, Family Research Council, WJLA TV, Washington Post)

 

Pray for a complete recovery of FRC staff member Leo Johnson. Give thanks to the Lord that no others were hurt in this altercation. Pray that the full truth of this event will be brought forth. Pray for wisdom for all of the staff at FRC. Ask the Lord to use this event for good.

 

"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." (Genesis 50:20)

 

 This article has been condensed for this alert, but you can  <Click Here> to read our full report in PDF format.      

 

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COME TO PRAY IN THE NATION'S CAPITAL
DEADLY WEST NILE VIRUS IN TEXAS

Texas dodged one major bullet this year: the crushing drought that seared the Lone Star State in 2011 shifted its sights northward in 2012, frying the nation's agricultural midland but leaving Texas at least a little wetter than it was last summer.

But that little bit of extra moisture has put Texas in the crosshairs of another climate-related disaster. A major outbreak this month of West Nile virus-the worst since the brain infection first reached America in 1999-has infected some 200 people so far, and killed 17. And on Wednesday, a public-health emergency was declared in Dallas, which has seen 10 deaths from West Nile. Dallas' mayor, Mike Rawlings, authorized aerial pesticide spraying over the city for the first time since 1966, when an outbreak of encephalitis hit the city.

The prime culprit in the spread of West Nile is mosquitoes, which transmit the virus to humans when they bite (there's no direct human-to-human transmission, fortunately). Climate is a major accomplice, however, according to David Dausey, a professor of public health at Mercyhurst College, in Erie, Penn. "One of the things we've worried about for some time is that a changing climate could lead to more mosquito-borne disease," he said in an interview. And while you can't attribute a single outbreak to climate change alone, he said, "climate theory tells us that weather extremes will become more common."

Drought is one such extreme, and drought can be very good for mosquitoes. They breed in standing water, but these can actually become more prevalent during a drought than in rainier times. Creeks that would normally be flowing freely stop flowing and become a series of standing pools. A truly severe drought, like the one Texas saw in 2011, can cut down on mosquito populations, but, Dausey said, "mosquitoes are able to repopulate more quickly than other insects. The warm temperatures make it so that the mosquitoes reach maturation quicker and decrease the incubation period of the virus. This means that the mosquitoes can spread the virus quicker."

West Nile, for example, was first identified in tropical Uganda, but it seems to be having no trouble thriving in the U.S. It may just be coincidence that the disease has established itself in North America during the hottest decade on record. But Dausey isn't buying it. "I don't see how you can deny the possible connection," he said. "Could this outbreak be due to just a strange coincidence of events? Yes. Could climate change be one variable? I would say yes, absolutely." (Contributors; Climate Central, Real Clear Politics)

 

Pray that the authorities in Texas and in the other surrounding states be given God's wisdom and resolve in dealing with this health issue. Pray for all those who are already affected by the West Nile virus. Pray for the medical teams that are focused on helping those infected with this virus.

 

"For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for his good pleasure." (Philippians 2:13)

  

 This article has been condensed for this alert, but you can  <Click Here> to read our full report in PDF format.      

 

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U.S. GAS PRICES SET RECORD THIS SUMMER

The price of gasoline is setting a record as the summer draws to a close.

AAA says drivers paid an average of $3.72 per gallon Monday, which is the highest price on record for August 20. The auto club says more daily highs are likely over the next few weeks.

The national average has risen nearly 12 percent since July 1 because of higher oil prices, and some problems with refineries and pipelines. But it has stabilized over the past few days and many analysts still expect the price of gas to fall after Labor Day.

Meanwhile, oil prices are falling as concerns resurface about Europe's economy. Benchmark oil fell 61 cents to $95.40 in New York. Brent crude dropped 44 cents to $113.27 in London. (Contributors: AAA, Associated Press)

 

Pray that the price of fuel will stabilize and encourage economic recovery. Pray that God will give wisdom to those who are in positions to encourage fair market values that benefit everyone. Pray for wise stewardship of our economy. Pray that our nation will be a generous nation to those in need. Pray that we will give out of love and respect for God's blessing upon this nation.  

 

Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.-Proverbs 3:9-10

 

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FBI MAY SURVEIL MOSQUE ACTIVITIES, SAYS JUDGE

A California-based attorney says a federal judge ruled according to the law in tossing out a case involving the FBI spying on Moslems.

Attorney General Eric Holder attempted to throw out the lawsuit, while the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and attorneys for Moslems hoped it would go forward. But U.S. District Court Judge Cormac Carney has thrown out the case. According to Carney, allowing the lawsuit to move forward would mean privileged secrets that compromise national security would be revealed. The federal judge says he reluctantly made his decision after reviewing declarations by the FBI. 

 

Karen Lugo, a constitutional law attorney in southern California, supports his ruling.

 

"To rule out being able, when there is the decision to surveil [sic] within legal boundaries, but to surveil various activities relative to a mosque -- he ruled according to what the law is," she comments. "This was a matter of understanding that the FBI has to have some surveillance tools. And ... the judge did not say this, but an empirical study that has been peer-reviewed has demonstrated that 70-80 percent of the mosques in the U.S. are radicalized." 

 

A group of Orange County Moslems filed the class action lawsuit and said the FBI violated their constitutional rights by sending an undercover agent to spy on them. The FBI informant posed as a Moslem to gather information at mosques in the area. (Contributors:One News Now)

Pray for the FBI to be sensitive and respectful, while still being shrewd and circumspect, in its use of surveillance tools. Pray that Islamist followers would submit to the love of Christ. Pray that they will see the love that Jesus has for all His creation. Pray for an opening of their hearts to His plan of redemption, and pray that they would not perish but have everlasting life through Jesus Christ.

 

"For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

 

 

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TX SEN. DEMANDS ACCOUNTING ON RUSSIAN SUB IN GULF

U.S. Senator John Cornyn demands answers from Pentagon on Russian sub in Gulf of Mexico.

This story has not gotten much traction in the mainstream media, but Texas Senator John Cornyn has been on it all week: Russian submarine activity in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Washington Free Beacon website claimed that a Russian Akula-class nuclear sub, loaded with cruise missiles, has been patrolling near the US strategic nuclear submarine base at Kings Bay, Georgia, the home base for eight of America's nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines.

After receiving no satisfaction to earlier comments to the media, Cornyn wrote a letter today to Admiral Jonathan Greenert, the Pentagon's Chief of Naval Operations, demanding answers.

"The submarine patrol, taken together with the air incursions, seems to represent a more aggressive and destabilizing Russian military stance that could pose risks to our national security," Cornyn wrote. "This is especially troubling given the drastic defense cuts sought by President Obama, which include reductions in funding for antisubmarine defense systems."

The story has received relatively little attention since appearing in the conservative media outlet The Washington Free Beacon.

According to the original report by longtime military correspondent Bill Gertz:

"A Russian nuclear-powered attack submarine armed with long-range cruise missiles operated undetected in the Gulf of Mexico for several weeks and its travel in strategic U.S. waters was only confirmed after it left the region, the Washington Free Beacon has learned.

"It is only the second time since 2009 that a Russian attack submarine has patrolled so close to U.S. shores.

"The stealth underwater incursion in the Gulf took place at the same time Russian strategic bombers made incursions into restricted U.S. airspace near Alaska and California in June and July, and highlights a growing military assertiveness by Moscow."

Senator Cornyn, who sits on the Senate Armed Services Committee, says the report is "especially troubling given the drastic defense cuts sought ..., which include reductions in funding for antisubmarine defense systems."

A Pentagon spokesman, Navy Lieutenant Commander John Fage, dismissed Gertz's report.

"We are aware of the reporting but we see nothing to indicate that it is true," Fage told the Houston Chronicle.

Russian Deputy Premier Dmitri Rogozin announced in February that Russia was working on a plan to build 10 new attack submarines and 10 new missile submarines through 2030, along with new aircraft carriers.

Submarine warfare specialists say the Akula remains the core of the Russian attack submarine force.

The submarines can fire both cruise missiles and torpedoes, and are equipped with the SSN-21 and SSN-27 submarine-launched cruise missiles, as well as SSN-15 anti-submarine-warfare missiles. The submarines also can lay mines.

The SSN-21 has a range of up to 1,860 miles.

Here's the complete text of Sen. Cornyn's letter:

 

Dear Admiral Greenert:

According to press reports, a Russian nuclear-powered attack submarine recently traveled undetected in the Gulf of Mexico on a month-long patrol. This submarine activity reportedly occurred in June and July, simultaneously with incursions by Russian strategic bombers into restricted U.S. airspace.

If these reports are accurate, the repercussions are serious. It is my understanding that an Akula-class submarine can be armed with an array of weapons, including torpedoes and long-range cruise missiles, capable of destroying both U.S. nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers.

The submarine patrol, taken together with the air incursions, seems to represent a more aggressive and destabilizing Russian military stance that could pose risks to our national security. This is especially troubling given the drastic defense cuts sought by President Obama, which include reductions in funding for antisubmarine defense systems.

In light of the gravity of this situation, I request a detailed explanation of the facts surrounding these reports. Thank you for your faithful service to our nation, your dedication to our Armed Forces, and your commitment to ensuring the welfare of our men and women in uniform and their families. -- U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) (Contributor: Houston Chronicle, MSN, Bing: Photos of Sub Classification, Washington Free Beacon, RT.com)

 

Pray that the Lord will place His hand of protection over this nation. Pray that the truth concerning this media report will come forth. Pray that our national defense systems be given proper support by this current administration. Pray for adequate funding of key components to our national defense systems.  

 

"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help [cometh] from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that kept thee will not slumber. Behold, he that kept Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord [is] thy keeper: the Lord [is] thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore." (Psalms 121: 1-8)

 

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EGYPT "BROTHERHOOD" STARTS CRUCIFIXIONS

The Arab Spring takeover of Egypt by the Moslem Brotherhood has run amok, with reports from several different media agencies that the radical Moslems have begun crucifying opponents of newly installed President Mohammed Morsi.

Theodore Shoebat, a former Moslem Brotherhood member and now peace activist reported, "It was reported ... that the Moslem Brotherhood has crucified people, accused of being against Muhammad Morsi, naked and on trees in front of the presidential palace."

Middle East media also confirm that during a recent rampage, Moslem Brotherhood operatives "crucified those opposing Egyptian President Muhammad Morsi naked on trees in front of the presidential palace while abusing others."

Raymond Ibrahim, a fellow with the Middle East Forum and the Investigative Project on Terrorism, said the crucifixions are the product of who the Middle Eastern media call "partisans."

"Arabic media call them 'supporters,' 'followers' and 'partisans' of the Moslem Brotherhood," Ibraham said.

Ibrahim also says the victims can be anyone, including Egyptian Christians.

"It's anyone who is resisting the new government," Ibrahim said. "In this particular case, the people attacked and crucified were secular protesters upset because of Morsi's hostile campaign against the media, especially of Tawfik Okasha, who was constantly exposing him on his station, until Morsi shut him down."

Ibrahim said extra brutality is reserved for Christians, but the crucifixions are because of Islamic doctrine and are required by the Quran. The time and other details about the crucifixions were not readily available.

"Mideast Beast: The Scriptural Case for an Islamic Antichrist" sorts out what this clash of civilizations is all about. Center for Security Policy Senior Fellow Clare Lopez cited chapter and verse from the Quran to explain that crucifixions are not simply normal for Islam, they're demanded.

"Crucifixion is a hadd punishment, stipulated in the Quran, Sura 5:33, and therefore an obligatory part of Shariah," Lopez said. "It's been a traditional punishment within Islam since the beginning, even though it's not exclusively Islamic. The Romans used it too.

"So, the Egyptian Moslem Brotherhood haven't the option to not include crucifixion within their legal code. It's obligatory to comply with Shariah. And yes, it's for shock value also to be sure," Lopez said.

Lopez includes a warning for Egypt's Christians and compares the coming treatment of the Christians to the Jews in Germany.

"The Copts must get out of Egypt as soon as possible - for the many millions who will not be able to get out, I expect things will continue to deteriorate - just as they did for Germany's and Europe's Jews from the 1930s onward," Lopez said.

"The Christians are in serious trouble, because the Quran in Sura 9:29 commands Moslems to wage war against them and subjugate them, and they're also identified with the hated West and the U.S.," Geller said. Geller also turned to Sura 5:33.

"These are Islamic hardliners who do everything by the Quran. The Quran says, 'Indeed, the penalty for those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger and strive upon earth [to cause] corruption is none but that they be killed or crucified or that their hands and feet be cut off from opposite sides or that they be exiled from the land," Geller said. (Contributor: World Net Daily)

 

Pray for Egypt to once again embrace the truth of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Jesus and His family used Egypt as a place of refuge from Herod according to Matthew 2:13. Pray for the Coptic Christians to find refuge and that the leaders of Egypt will see the error of persecution in all of its many forms of expression through the cult of Islam.

 

"Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, 'Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.'" (Matthew 2:13)

 

 

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Prayer Surge NOW! Saturday 8/25

Joint National Conference Calling  

Prayer Meeting Across America  

"Partnering with CHRIST for REVIVAL  

In the Middle East AND America"
7:30am-11am Eastern & 4:30am-8am Pacific

Connect using 712-432-0075 & code 6149782#

<Click here>to see this week's prayer agenda

     

 

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Pray for a national, grassroots, prayer project coming  September 25 - 26, set to coincide with the Jewish day of atonement, Yom Kippur.  

 

The National Day of Repentance will hold at the grassroots level, across all Christian denominations,  a day of fasting, prayer and repentance as was done in the Colonial times and during the Civil War. Those days were honored, as our forefathers humbled themselves and prayed and sought His face, and turned from their wicked ways,  the Good Lord blessed this nation repeatedly. We now need this type of spiritual solution to the spiritual problems in our country. 

 

More information on the event, set for sundown Tuesday, September 25 through sundown Wednesday September 26, can be found on the website:  www.dayofrepentance.org


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THE SUMMONS OCTOBER 3-7, 2012

     

Inspired by Psalm 50:1-6, the National Day of Prayer (NDP) Task Force along with other national prayer ministries, has called a Solemn Assembly in Washington D.C., to pray for all institutions of government in our nation's capital. Groups will gather for worship and prayer near the steps of the Capitol Building and the Washington Monument. They will meet with congressional leaders, travel to the Pentagon, the Supreme Court, and many other key locations to PRAY. This is not an assignment for the faint of heart. You will need walking shoes and clothing suitable for being on location and 'hitting the streets', regardless of weather. The urgency of the moment, and the prompting of God, has paved the way for this event. We invite you to join with us, and hundreds of like-minded believers this October 3-7, as we pray for our nation.

Please visit www.Summons2012.com to learn more.  

 

 

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CONGRESSIONAL PRAYER CAUCUS - ISSUES FOR PRAYER

Arizona Court Dismisses Challenge to Day of Prayer Proclamations "With Prejudice"- An Arizona state court has dismissed a lawsuit challenging the annual Arizona Day of Prayer proclamations.  The judge dismissed the case "with prejudice," which will prevent the court from being asked to rule on the same issue in the future.  The lawsuit, filed by the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), asserted that Arizona Governor Jan Brewer's annual Day of Prayer proclamations violated the state constitution.  In December of 2011, a federal court dismissed an earlier federal lawsuit filed by the group, saying FFRF did not have standing to bring the case.  As a result, FFRF filed a subsequent lawsuit in Arizona state court.  Governor Brewer released a statement that praised the court's decision, saying "I applaud the Arizona Superior Court for rejecting this lawsuit, which was little more than another sad attempts to stifle an American tradition.  Uniting in prayer is a custom as old as our nation itself. . . .  This is an American right and tradition, and one that I've proudly marked each year I've been Governor by proclaiming an Arizona Day of Prayer."

Similar lawsuits have been brought in the past challenging National Day of Prayer proclamations.  In 2010, a federal district court in Wisconsin held that the statute establishing the National Day of Prayer was unconstitutional.  The following week, nearly thirty Members of Congress and leaders of faith held a bipartisan press conference, defending the constitutionality of the National Day of Prayer and calling on the White House to appeal the court's ruling.  The next day, the Obama Administration announced that it would appeal the case to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.  Members of the Prayer Caucus then signed onto an amicus curiae brief affirming the constitutionality of the National Day of Prayer; and the Seventh Circuit ultimately dismissed the case.  Members of the Prayer Caucus will continue working to ensure that our nation's legacy of prayer is preserved for future generations.

InterVarsity Reinstated at University of Buffalo; Allowed to Limit Leadership Positions to Those Who Share Group's Religious Beliefs - The University of Buffalo's Student Wide Judiciary (SWJ) has reinstated InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at the school, ruling that "it is 'common sense' and not discrimination" for a religious student group to require its leaders to share the group's religious beliefs.  InterVarsity had been suspended for allegedly violating the school's nondiscrimination policy after a homosexual student stepped down from a leadership position in the group.  InterVarsity requires its leaders to agree with its religious beliefs and adhere to certain standards of conduct.  In its decision to reinstate the group, the SWJ said, "We cannot expect student organizations to ignore their defining purposes in selecting officers, and the pretense that we do has caused an unnecessary and harmful battle that pits 'equality' against the First Amendment rights of students."  The SWJ explained that "Nondiscrimination policies serve important purposes. They are intended to protect religious students, not punish them for being religious."  The group hopes its decision will "'serve as precedent' for similar cases that arise in the future."

Earlier this year, Members of the Prayer Caucus sent a letter to Vanderbilt University expressing concern after several religious student groups were placed on provisional status for requiring their leaders to share their religious beliefs.  The school's nondiscrimination policy, which requires groups to open leadership positions to all students, prevents religious groups from preserving their unique religious identities.  The decision by the University of Buffalo is consistent with the desire of the Members of the Prayer Caucus that religious student groups be given the same recognition as other on-campus groups.

9/11 Museum Asks Court to Dismiss Lawsuit Seeking to Remove World Trade Center Cross - In July of 2011, Rep. Randy Forbes posted a blog about a lawsuit filed by the American Atheists to prevent the World Trade Center cross from being included in the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York City.  The cross, discovered in the rubble around the World Trade Center, had been formed by two steel beams from the wreckage and "served as a symbol of hope for many devastated by the worst terrorist attack in our nation's history."  The Museum has now asked a Manhattan court to dismiss the lawsuit, explaining that it is an independent non-profit corporation, not a government entity, and that the cross is not a religious symbol, but "an 'important and essential artifact' that 'comprises a key component of the retelling of the story of 9/11 . . . ."  

New York county adds "In God We Trust" to council chambers. The Oneida County legislature unanimously voted to add the national motto, "In God We Trust," to its chambers.  The Legislator who proposed the idea said his intent was "to remind elected officials about their large role in the county and to have the community regain their trust in the system." http://ow.ly/d1yue  

 

Group distributes religious freedom handbook to all public schools. Liberty Counsel, a nonprofit religious liberty law firm, has distributed "Patriot's Handbook of Religious Freedom in Public Schools" to every public school in America.  The group's website explains that the "booklet clarifies the rights of students to pray, form Bible clubs, and engage in religious expression in public schools, including holiday celebrations and the rights of teachers, parents, and guardians," and was distributed to counter increasing efforts by secular activists to remove religious expression from public schools. http://ow.ly/d1yQ6 (Contributor: Congressional Prayer Caucus)

 




24/7 PRAYER ON THE WHITE HOUSE ELLIPSE

 

In our nation's capitol, our fathers stood in the gap.

 

Their children answered the call.

 

On September 25 through November 6, 2012 the whole family is invited
to gather on the White House Ellipse. We will praise Him for 40 Days!

 

DavidsTentDC.org - 24hrs a day - 7 days a week - for 40 days.

Watch:
Promo Video  

 
WHAT DOES F3 MEAN?

  

F3 (First Friday Fast) 

You may have missed this month's First Friday opportunity to fast and pray for America with other believers across the nation, but that does not mean that you cannot unite with believers to fast and pray for America on our next First Friday!

 

For more information about how to join an established F3 group

or to start your own F3 group, go to Get America Praying!

Printable Version

Click the button above to download the printable version of this prayer alert!



First Friday Prayer Conference Call 
Friday September 7th
 
Dear Praying Friend,
    There are only three more First Fridays until the most important elections in our country's history. Please take the time to join us the First Friday of September as we continue to connect through prayer - our live First Friday Conference Call!

 

When:  
Friday, September 7th, 2012 at 12:15-12:45 EST; 11:15-11:45 CST; 10:15-10:45 MST; 9:15-9:45 PST

How:  
Call in at (712) 432-0075. When prompted, enter access code 1412452#
for the call.

Who:  
Anyone can join us. You can choose to voice your prayers, or just listen and agree with us in prayer.




IFA
SPECIAL REPORT

Elena Kagan
Religious Freedom
Anti-Religious-Liberties Agenda

Contents
CANDIDATES ADDRESS THE 2012 VOTER BASE
FRC'S TONY PERKINS: "WE WILL NOT WAVER"
COME TO PRAY AT THE CAPITAL
DEADLY WEST NILE VIRUS IN TEXAS
U.S. GAS PRICES SET RECORD THIS SUMMER
FBI MAY SURVEIL MOSQUE ACTIVITIES, SAYS JUDGE
TX SEN. DEMANDS ACCOUNTING ON RUSSIAN SUB IN GULF
EGYPT "BROTHERHOOD" STARTS CRUCIFXIONS
PRAYER SURGE NOW!
THE SUMMONS OCTOBER 3-7, 2012
CONGRESSIONAL PRAYER CAUCUS - ISSUES FOR PRAYER
24/7 PRAYER ON THE WHITE HOUSE ELLIPSE SEPT 25 - NOV 6
WHAT DOES F3 MEAN?
Printable Versions
Contact Us!
Saving America
CAN AMERICA
BE SAVED KIT

 
Encourage your family and friends to pray for America as we approach the 2012 elections. Receive a free Can America Be Saved Kit, which includes: 10 sign-up cards, 10 prayer cards, and 10 declarations.

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Intercessors
for America
 

TOP 130 U.S. OFFICIALS 

Prayer Guide
Bookmark

 

Now Available!  

 

1-5 free + shipping!    

$2.00 + shipping 

for packet of 25!      

 

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Get America Praying
DVD

$4.99 + shipping!
 

Includes a promotional clip for praying for America (compelling case for why we should pray for America), as well as three amazing true stories of how prayer has transformed communities. A great tool to introduce praying for our nation to your church or small group!   

       

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Saving America
through Prayer
Merchandise Shop





Visit our new Saving America through Prayer Merchandise Shop and promote prayer for America in your area!


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