Posted by Eric Scheidler (November 1, 2012 at 12:39 pm)
Today, drawing on the themes of today’s Feast of All Saints, the Roman Catholic bishops of Pennsylvania issued a strong statement on the duty of Catholics to bring the traditions of their faith to bear when they go to the polls next week. In recent weeks, Pennsylvania has emerged as a battleground state in presidential election.
Here’s an excerpt:
Today it is no longer the case, as it was for our country’s Founders, that religion can provide a shared moral framework and vocabulary for a pluralistic democracy. In fact, Americans would do well to realize that many of our country’s leading thinkers in law, higher education, and the social sciences simply no longer believe in the idea of inalienable natural rights guaranteed by a Creator higher than the State—one of the cornerstone principles of the American experiment.
This has serious implications because many of our most urgent political issues—ranging from the economy, immigration, and abortion to global security—raise profoundly moral questions. These questions cannot be resolved without a common understanding of right and wrong. Consider today’s aggressive efforts to redefine the nature of marriage, to exclude parental authority in the choice of the best education for their children, and to force Catholic healthcare and social services to end their ministries unless they violate their religious identities through mandated support of practices contrary to the very sanctity of human life.
Religious liberty itself—”our first, most cherished freedom”—is no longer secure. At first glance, this may seem otherwise because religious freedom is so deeply ingrained in our national history. But democracy has no special immunity to losing its soul by little steps.
Read the whole thing, and then share it with your friends and family in Pennsylvania and other battleground states where heeding the bishops’ call could make a difference on Election Day.
Posted in Election 2012 | Comments Off on Catholic Bishops of Pennsylvania Issue Strong Statement on the Elections
Posted by John Jansen (November 1, 2012 at 11:19 am)
Election Day is only five days away, and there’s plenty of work to be done to make sure that pro-life, pro-religious freedom candidates get elected.
The difference in this election is going to come down to boots on the ground: volunteers who are willing to make phone calls, distribute voter guides, and utilize social media to get out the vote on Election Day.
This upcoming weekend is a great opportunity to get voter guides into the hands of your fellow citizens. Here are several that we recommend:
FRC Action, the legislative affiliate of the Family Resource Council
There’s also this flyer [PDF] available from Citizens for a Pro-Life Society titled “Why Respect for Life Is the Preeminent Political Issue.”
Find a flyer you like, get several hundred copies printed, and pass them out following church services—or simply deliver them door-to-door in your neighborhood. [Continue reading …]
Posted in Election 2012 | Comments Off on Do Your Part to Get Out the Vote
Posted by Eric Scheidler (October 31, 2012 at 8:00 pm)
Rally Captains all across the country have been reporting in with their attendance numbers, and with 140 cities tallied, the headcount for the October 20 Stand Up Rally has hit 28,077! Stay tuned to this blog post for updated numbers as reports come in.
Here’s the city-by-city tally. If you have numbers for a Rally city not listed here, please let me know in the comments.
Posted by Matt Yonke (October 27, 2012 at 12:00 pm)
At this time of crisis in our nation, it’s been great to see art addressing the subject of religious freedom, and particularly religious freedom in danger. In particular, the excellent film For Greater Glory which chronicles Mexico’s Christero wars fought over the very same issues we’re facing today.
The film did a great run at the box office, and now For Greater Glory is now available on Blu-ray, DVD and On Demand! You can now experience this amazing film and help spread the word so more people see this important film.
Posted by Kathy Kuhns (October 27, 2012 at 9:03 am)
How fortunate we are to be here in PA and to have the main bridge into Reading named after William Penn, who founded “Penn’s Woods” for the purpose of religious freedom.
Our rally on Sat., the 20th was a lively event as we stood on the bridge with signs, banners and flags. The large Stand Up for Religious Freedom banner was highly visible. About 80 people attended the event.
Posted by Patricia Ullman (October 26, 2012 at 7:36 pm)
All photos by Robert Ludwig, God's World Photography
In Seattle, rain is ever-present. Our summer, for instance, may start the day AFTER 4th of July. This year, summer arrived in early August.
So Seattle rally organizers were not surprised by weather reports early last week threatening 60% chance of rain for Saturday. But come time for Saturday’s rally, temperatures were cold, but the skies revealed big patches of blue with no precipitation in sight and, this, just in time for over 200 people to step-off on the .8-mile, pre-rally protest march from St. James Cathedral to the steps of the US District Courthouse.
Those of us waiting on the steps of the US District Courthouse for marchers to arrive were awed as our marchers came into view rounding the last corner……escorted by 14 Seattle motorcycle police officers donning “white” helmets, lights on the motorcycles flashing “blue and red”. It was perfect symbolism for the rally mere moments away. [Continue reading …]
Posted by Kelly Manley (October 26, 2012 at 6:27 pm)
Huntsville, Alabama Rally Captain Kelley Manley delivered an open letter to President Obama about the HHS Mandate at the start of their October 20 Rally.
As a woman, feminist, single mother, founder of Huntsville Right to Life, and a veteran, Kelley points out how the Affordable Care Act and the HHS Mandate aren’t just bad policy, they’re horribly bad for women!
Check out Kelley’s great letter in the video above or read it here [PDF].
Posted in October Rally Report | Comments Off on Open Letter from a Feminist Veteran and Single Mother at Huntsville Rally
Posted by Jenifer Bowen (October 26, 2012 at 5:15 pm)
After 2 dreary, rainy days in Iowa, the clouds parted and the sun came out, as if on cue, for the Stand Up for Freedom Rally in Des Moines on the steps of the Iowa State Capitol.
The crowd of about 120 were met with enthusiasm from pro-life student group speakers from Iowa State and Simpson colleges.
Jenifer Bowen, Iowa Right to Life, read a statement from Governor Branstad and Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds that they would always stand with us in protecting and promoting the religious freedoms of all people.
Stand Up for the unborn, for those living with regret, for the wounded, for the Truth!
Local candidates for both House and Senate addressed the crowd and urged everyone to exercise their freedom and vote their values.
The clarion call for those in attendance came from Monsignor Frank Chiodo who reminded us of our heritage and the cost for religious freedom.
Everyone enjoyed the weather and the speeches and most mingled around long after the rally talking with the speakers.
Posted by Mary Moran (October 26, 2012 at 4:11 pm)
Nearly 1000 believers of religious freedom rallied in the rain at the October 20 Stand Up For Religious Freedom rally in San Diego.
Ecumenical speakers included Evangelicals, Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints, Catholics and more – all standing together to defend the Church. [Continue reading …]
Posted in October Rally Report | Comments Off on “We are all Cristeros now!” Rain no detour for religious freedom lovers in San Diego
Posted by Virginia Douglas (October 26, 2012 at 3:03 pm)
Appreciative honks, waves, and thumbs from passers-by on Las Vegas Bouldevard birightened the smiles of people lining the street with the Stand Up For Relgious Freedom signs. Las Vegas is a city where it is very easy to find talented speakers and singers.
But it is difficult to find churches willing to support activist events. But 110 people, combined with the people on the street was a pure delight for God’s people. Our hour was packed with messages to inspire courage, perseverance, and commitment to ProLife troops. Our ProLifers are trained and experienced in cheerfulness, kindness, and cooperation. [Continue reading …]
Today, drawing on the themes of today’s Feast of All Saints, the Roman Catholic bishops of Pennsylvania issued a strong statement on the duty of Catholics to bring the traditions of their faith to bear when they go to the polls next week. In recent weeks, Pennsylvania has emerged as a battleground state in presidential election.
Election Day is only five days away, and there’s plenty of work to be done to make sure that pro-life, pro-religious freedom candidates get elected.
Rally Captains all across the country have been reporting in with their attendance numbers, and with 140 cities tallied, the headcount for the October 20 Stand Up Rally has hit 28,077! Stay tuned to this blog post for updated numbers as reports come in.
After 2 dreary, rainy days in Iowa, the clouds parted and the sun came out, as if on cue, for the Stand Up for Freedom Rally in Des Moines on the steps of the Iowa State Capitol.
Nearly 1000 believers of religious freedom rallied in the rain at the October 20 Stand Up For Religious Freedom rally in San Diego.
Appreciative honks, waves, and thumbs from passers-by on Las Vegas Bouldevard birightened the smiles of people lining the street with the Stand Up For Relgious Freedom signs. Las Vegas is a city where it is very easy to find talented speakers and singers.