STAND UP FOR RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
HHS Mandate News and Rally Updates

Del Rio Texas Rally was beautiful!

Posted by Rosie Aguilar (June 11, 2012 at 5:21 pm)

The Count was 210, we had a great turn out, everything came out according to plan, you may click on the below tags to see some pictures taken from the blog of Dr. Casillas our media liaison. The Agenda was prepared by Letty Escobar (master of ceremonies):

AGENDA “STAND UP FOR RELIGIOUS FREDOOM” JUNE 8, 2012 RALLY, DEL RIO TEXAS

1. Opening Prayer – Father Henry Clay Hunt

2. 1st Speaker – Father Clay –

3. Song – America the Beautiful – Lucy Vangoethem [Continue reading …]

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After The Second Rally—Where Do We Go From Here?

Posted by Monica Migliorino Miller (June 11, 2012 at 5:16 pm)

A Post-Rally Critique from Monica Migliorino Miller, National co-director of Stand Up for Religious Freedom Nationwide Rallies

Monica MillerFriday June 8, 2012 was an amazing day—164 rallies all across the United States in every time zone—with over 57,000 people participating, and literally hundreds of news stories generated—all extending the witness that these nationwide rallies create in protest of the unjust, immoral and unlawful Health and Human Services mandate.

If you are reading this follow-up review of the June 8th rallies and you are not aware of the present federal government attack on religious liberty, please see the excellent explanation of the Mandate from the Alliance Defense Fund.

Every rally captain, all those who assisted captains, all rally presenters and all those tens of thousands who participated in the June 8th rallies can be very proud of this momentous accomplishment. Our first rally was March 23rd, attended by 64 thousand people nationwide in 144 cities. Those nationwide rallies were organized in a short 7 weeks—some of the local rallies did not get off the ground until a few days before the
event! [Continue reading …]

Posted in News and Commentary | 3 Comments »

Second SURF rally in Jacksonville FL a big success!

Posted by Diane Royal (June 11, 2012 at 4:23 pm)

Despite forecasts of rain, the weather was overcast but dry for our rally, and not nearly as hot as a sunny day would have been. The crowd of 350 was very enthusiastic! News coverage was better than for the March rally, and this time we have videos of all the speakers.

Florida Times-Union
Channel 4 News

Opening Prayer and song – Rev. Bill Zamborsky

[Continue reading …]

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At Least 675 Stand Up for Religious Freedom in Columbus, Ohio

Posted by Ruth Yorston (June 11, 2012 at 3:30 pm)

With at least 675 in attendance, Columbus Ohio saw more than a 50% increase in participation at our second Stand Up for Religious Freedom rally.  Waving American flags, beginning with prayer and the National Anthem, rally participants gathered to hear speakers representing Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Evangelical, and Jewish faithful to educate and inspire them to stand strong in the defense of our religious liberties.

Alicia Healy gave an impassioned speech about the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, reminding us that “We are fighting for our God-given rights and liberties under our constitution which grants limited and enumerated powers to the federal government. No power has been granted over health care, reproduction, or any such thing. As Jefferson said, ‘We must bind him [the government] down from mischief by the chains of the Constitution.’

[Continue reading …]

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Stand Up, Phoenix

Posted by Ann Swaziek (June 11, 2012 at 2:59 pm)

In the Valley of the Sun, a thousand people, under branches of trees, holding umbrellas or standing under pop-up tents for relief from the hot sun, in 103 degrees stood up for Religious Liberty. Music was led by Doug Slater, Julie and Kurt Carrick. The rally was a huge success!!!

Ann SwazieK – Rally Capt. (Reasons for protest)

Our MC John Jakubczyk

Introduction of Declaration of Independence & First Amendment
Lt. Col Wendy Rogers – Small Business Owner & Candidate for US Congress

Most Rev. Thomas Olmsted – Bishop of Phoenix

Here is a link to an article on the Bishop’s remarks as well. [Continue reading …]

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Jefferson City, MO, the “Show Me” State, Stands Up!

Posted by Mike Forck (June 11, 2012 at 2:47 pm)

It was an exciting day at the Missouri Capitol!  Bishop John Gaydos led the rally of 374 supporters of religious freedom with prayer and a strong message encouraging our activism, stating, “Religious freedom is not merely about our ability to attend church on Sunday.  It is impossible to exercise that religious freedom and at the same time compromise the faith that inspires us to action.”  

It was a beautiful Missouri day with participants wearing red as they listened to 8 compelling speakers spread truth to concerned Missouri residents on the capitol lawn. Mike Hoey, Executive Director of the Missouri Catholic Conference, emceed the event with 40 Days for Life -Columbia as the coordinators.

We thank Senator Mike Kehoe for attending, as well as all who were involved in the rally and especially to the crowd in RED! It is clear to see that we will not go down without a fight!

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From the Apple Capital: Seeds of Change!

Posted by Teresa Drollman (June 11, 2012 at 2:36 pm)

Two hundred inspired and passionate protestors turned out for the Rally in Wenatchee, WA (pop. 30,000), despite threatening thunderstorms.

Our amazing speakers included Dr. Mitch Garrison, Natalie Merrill, Karlo Broussard, Shiloh Schauer, and State Representative Cary Condotta, each offering a unique viewpoint and the fire of their conviction and commitment.

Pastor Bob Shepard prayed our invocation, and Pastor Pat McElroy offered a closing prayer. Patriotic music and hymns were led by the John Black Singers. [Continue reading …]

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Help the Media Get the Stand Up Rally Story Straight

Posted by Matt Yonke (June 11, 2012 at 12:19 pm)

ABC news storyLast Friday’s Stand Up for Religious Freedom rallies were a rousing success with tens of thousands of Americans from coast to coast taking to the streets to defend our cherished liberties.

News coverage of the event was widespread with hundreds of stories in local and national publications in nearly every market where a Rally was held.

But despite the coverage being very broad, it lacked something in the way of depth and all of us who attended Friday’s Rallies need to set the record straight. Some common errors popping up in many stories included: [Continue reading …]

Posted in News and Commentary | 15 Comments »

Standing UP in Charleston, SC

Posted by Patricia Vitkovic (June 11, 2012 at 11:00 am)

Charleston rallyIt has rained for 4 days here in Charleston, but this morning was beautiful.

As our FREEDOM CHOIR started singing the National Anthem , the voices from the crowd joined in and the sound was amazing!  The RALLY BAND added just the right sound for everything!

Our “MC” for the RALLY was Mike and boy did he keep the crowd on their toes!  Of course, Cathy, lead us all in our favorite chant… hey, hey, ho, ho, the MANDATE has got to GO!

I could write a book on our Speakers!   Each shared their personal experiences on how the HHS Mandate will effect their LIVES and their FAITH. From a small business owner, to a law student, 4 Pastors, Radio Talk Show Host, and so many other walks of life, they each encouraged us and lifted us in Prayers! [Continue reading …]

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Pro Football Player Matt Birk Speaks at the Minneapolis Stand Up Rally

Posted by Brian Gibson (June 11, 2012 at 9:31 am)

Six-time All-Pro NFL Center Matt Birk address the crowd of about 2,000 at the Minneapolis Rally for Religious Freedom, June 8, 2012.

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