Contact: Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, 540-538-4741, 202-547-1735

WASHINGTON, March 18 /Christian Newswire/ -- The faith community will be praying that human rights and social justice are embraced and that the current healthcare bill which includes public funds for abortion does not pass.
 
The prayer vigils are part of a larger national campaign called "Abortion is Not Healthcare" which has included a series of public demonstrations, rallies, prayer vigils and a nationwide media campaign.
 
Christians have been fasting and praying all week outside of Speaker Pelosi's office on Capitol Hill.
 
The first prayer vigil is scheduled for Friday, March 19, at 3:30 a.m. in front of the Patriot Center on the campus of George Mason University.
 
The early morning vigil will be several hours before President Obama delivers a national address on healthcare.
 
The final prayer vigil is Sunday, March 21, at 4:30 p.m. on the lower western terrace of the United States Capitol Building.
 
The Christian Defense Coalition has secured the only permit for the Capitol Building on the day the vote is being held.
 
Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, states,
 
"As people of faith, we do not have to stand on the sidelines as events unfold around us.  Through prayer and fasting we can actually see God change and shape history.
 
"Our Christian faith teaches us to care for the poor, reach out to the needy and stand for the defenseless and embrace social justice.  The current healthcare legislation allows for public funds to be used for abortions which is a gross betrayal of our faith and human rights.
 
"We are gathering to pray and ask God to protect America's children and we are also standing as a prophetic witness against the crushing and diminishing of innocent human life."

For more information or interviews call:
 
Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney at 540.538.4741    202.547.1735