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

WASHINGTON, March 10, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- The New York Times reported  that the White House is working to organize prayer vigils at the Court during the oral arguments regarding his health care legislation.

See story here.

The White House put together the prayer vigils after the Christian Defense Coalition, Faith and Action and other ministries announced plans two weeks ago to "Encircle the Court in Prayer" on March 25 and hold continuous prayer around the Supreme Court during the health care oral arguments on March 26-28.

Although the groups are flattered by the President following their lead, they still have several serious concerns.

This move by the White House clearly shows how important they are treating the Supreme Court arguments and how critical the role of the faith community will play in this process.

Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, states;

"Although we are flattered that the President is choosing to follow our lead concerning holding prayer vigils at the Supreme Court during the health care arguments, there are still several troubling concerns.

"The President again seems to be using 'prayer and faith' as a political commodity rather than as sincere held beliefs and values.  His prayer vigils are tied to a public relations campaign to influence the public regarding support for 'Obamacare' rather than looking to God in humility and seeking His blessing and guidance.

"It also troubling that President does not celebrate the National Day of Prayer at the White House or attend church on a regular basis, (as he did all during the 2008 campaign) yet he will call for prayer vigils to help support and promote his political agenda.

"Mr. President, prayer should never be about advancing a political agenda but honoring God.

"Finally, the President seems very 'selective' in celebrating and respecting faith and religious freedom.  President Obama is calling for public prayer and expressions of faith to support legislation that crushes religious freedom with immoral and unjust HHS mandates against the Catholic Church.

"I would suggest that the President pray and seek God to put forward health care legislation that honors the Constitution, respects religious freedom and protects innocent human life."

For more information or interviews call:

Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney at  540.538.4741

See Christian Defense Coalition news release that was sent on February 23 regarding prayer vigils at the Supreme Court.