Contact: Christian Defense Coalition, 202-547-1735, 540-538-4741 cell

WASHINGTON, Aug. 2 /Christian Newswire/ --The Coalition led a prayer delegation to Baghdad last weekend where they met for an hour with Prime Minister al-Maliki for a time of discussion, prayer and dialogue which included protecting religious liberty.  ( See photos. )
 
The delegation  presented the Prime Minister with a display of the Ten Commandments, pictures drawn by American school children for Iraqi school children and then prayed for the Prime Minister and the nation of Iraq.
 
Upon returning, the Christian Defense Coalition will be working tirelessly to ask President Bush and Congress to call for a National Day of Prayer and Fasting for the War in Iraq before the Congressional briefing by General Petraeus.  ( See National Day of Prayer Proposal.)
 
The group will also be working to share the message that America cannot abandon the heroic effort of millions of Iraqis who have lost loved ones and suffered terrible violence in their determined struggle to achieve peace, freedom and security for Iraq.
 
Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, comments, "After meeting with Prime Minister al-Maliki, Cabinet officials and religious leaders in Baghdad last weekend, it has become very clear that America cannot abandon the Iraqi people in their struggle to achieve freedom, security and liberty for their nation.  Now is time for Americans to lay aside their political differences concerning the war in Iraq and unite in standing against bloodshed, terror and violence in that country.
 
"That is why we are calling for a National Day of Prayer and Fasting for the War in Iraq before General Petraeus gives his report to Congress.
 
"Finally, if America would leave Iraq early it would lead to the massive genocide and extermination of religious minorities.  As one Iraqi Christian leader told us, 'if American troops were to leave Iraq prematurely Christians would be exterminated.'  We must not allow this to happen."
 
For more information or interviews contact:
Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney at 202.547.1735    Cell:   540.538.4741