Contact: Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, 540-538-4741

WASHINGTON, May 3, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- Faith and pro-life organizations will hold the event on Friday, May 4, at 12:00 P.M.
 
The location is 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW on the Lafayette Park side.
 
Participants will be praying for Chen Guangcheng and his family and calling upon President Obama and the United States to ensure his safety and protection.
 
Some will also choose to stand in solidarity with Mr. Chen and peacefully risk arrest by kneeling in prayer in front of the White House.
 
Organizations say the Obama Administration has betrayed the principles of human rights and freedom by allowing Mr. Chen to be taken by the Chinese government without assuring that those rights and his safety would be protected.
 
Chen Guangcheng only left the American Embassy under the fear of the Chinese government threatening violence and brutality against his wife.
 
Mr. Chen now wants to leave China for a safe country.
 
Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition who has a 25 year history of speaking out against the human rights abuses by the Chinese government and was twice arrested during the Beijing Olympics and deported back to the United States for helping lead demonstrations in China, states;

"We call upon President Obama and his administration to honor the founding principles of this nation and embrace human rights and justice for Chen Guangcheng.
 
"It is a disgrace and outrage that Mr. Chen, who was in the protective custody of the American Embassy, has now been allowed to be turned over to the Chinese government where he and his family will face unspeakable violence and brutality.

"The only reason Mr. Chen left the Embassy was because he was told that his wife would be beaten if he did not leave immediately. He now wants to leave China and fears for his safety and the safety of his family.

"It is critical that President Obama not betray Chen Guangcheng and the principles of justice that he has been imprisoned, beaten and tortured for.

"It is ironic that as President Obama has been touting his leadership in 'getting' Osama Bin Laden that he would now show no moral courage or leadership in standing up to the Chinese government and demanding the release and safety of Chen Guangcheng and calling for them to embrace human rights.

"Mr. President this is watershed moment for America. We respectfully ask that you do not break covenant with the values and principles of this nation and ensure that Chen Guangcheng and his family are secure and protected. The eyes of the world are watching."

For more information or interviews call:
Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney at 540-538-4741