Contact: Allyson Black of Faith and Action, 202-546-8329 ext. 104, 202-222-8113 cell

WASHINGTON, June 30 /Christian Newswire/ -- On July 4, the National Clergy Council (NCC), an association of conservative church leaders, and its lay affiliate, Faith and Action, will welcome the Reverend and Mrs. Rick and Jane McKinney to Capitol Hill as the couple complete a 2800-mile trek they began in Los Angeles on January 1.

A news conference will be held in front of the US Supreme Court at 11:00 AM, followed by a welcome reception at the organizations’ joint headquarters immediately across the street. The NCC / Faith and Action headquarters building is the site of a controversial monument of the Ten Commandments that had been ordered removed by the Government of the District of Columbia earlier this month. Officials later reversed that order.

The McKinney’s cross-country journey has focused attention on America’s need to return to the ideals of its Founders. They call their effort, “Walk to Reclaim America.”

The McKinneys asked the NCC and Faith and Action for sponsorship because the president of both groups, conservative Christian activist Reverend Rob Schenck (pronounced SHANK), completed his own cross-country walk in 1988 to raise money for Christian humanitarian programs in Mexico’s infamous populated municipal garbage dumps.

“I am walking purely on emotion and Lord’s power,” said Rev. McKinney, as he and his wife Jane finished their last full day of walking, about 19 miles, through Northern Virginia. “The last few miles were some of the hardest. Two or three miles seem like 100.”

“I have the greatest admiration for the McKinneys,” said Rev. Rob Schenck. “I know what it’s like to walk that distance, but I did it when I was a lot younger than they are. I admire them even more because they are people of action. They don’t just pontificate; they do something to bring attention to the message.”

Details:

July 4, 2006

9:00 AM         

Reverend Rick and Jane McKinney walk across Arlington Memorial Bridge into Washington DC. They will pause for prayer at western terminus of the Bridge, south side, then proceed across the bridge and pause for prayer again at its eastern terminus.

11:00 AM       

News conference in front of US Supreme Court with Rev. Rob Schenck and other delegates of the National Clergy Council and Faith and Action. Clergy will kneel with McKinneys to pray for America’s return to strong moral values.

12:30 PM        

Old fashioned backyard barbeque reception at headquarters of the National Clergy Council and Faith and Action, immediately behind the US Supreme Court at 109 2nd Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002. Approximately 40 guests attending.

5:00 PM          

Group moves to Washington Mall to watch fireworks display.