"No Prayer Zone" Enforced At The Supreme Court

Faith and Action ^ | Rev. Rob Schenck

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"No Prayer Zone" Enforced At The Supreme Court

Rev. Rob Schenck
April 16, 2003

Not long ago, four women tourists from Kansas stopped in front of the Supreme Court Building. Concerned for our leaders, they bowed their heads and began to pray. Suddenly a Supreme Court police officer appeared and threatened to arrest them unless they stopped immediately.

Sad but true, it is illegal for a citizen of the United States to pray anywhere on the property of the United States Supreme Court!

BUT WAIT, IT GETS WORSE!

According to the Court's interpretation of a federal statute, prayer is declared to be an illegal demonstration! Simply bowing one's head in silent prayer anywhere on the square block surrounding the Court's imposing granite structure will get you arrested!

But even more outrageous is the fact that the justices themselves begin each court session with a prayer!

In fact, the Supreme Court marshal--the same one who might order you handcuffed for bowing your head in prayer-- stands inside the court just prior to a case and cries, "God save the United States and this Honorable Court!"

Not only is this a clear violation of the First Amendment that this same court is charged with defending and upholding, it is simply hypocritical. That's why I'm writing you today. I need your help in motivating the Supreme Court change the way they are interpreting this statute.

****CALL TO ACTION

I am calling on each and every friend of Faith & Action to sign our "U.S. Supreme Court No Prayer Zone" petition urging the Justices to change their anti-prayer policy by clicking here: Sign Petition

Our goal at Faith & Action, is to deliver at least 50,000 signed petitions directly to the Supreme Court, demanding they change their policy of punishing those who pray on its property, but it starts with you!

****IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED

I believe it's imperative the Supreme Court take action before this session concludes.

And since our national building is located ACROSS THE STREET from the U.S. Supreme Court, our team has unique access right to the Court on issues like these!

Please take immediate action right now by signing our "U.S. Supreme Court No Prayer Zone" petition. Click here: TO SIGN THE PETITION

And because time is so important, after signing the petition, please alert your church!

Ask your church leaders to help spread the word about the Supreme Court's "NO PRAYER ZONE." Encourage them to print off copies of the petition to be posted and included it in your church bulletin.

We must work together to get this message out if we expect to see real change.

Thank you for standing with me!

Rev. Rob Schenck Faith & Action in the Nation's Capital

P.S. Remember, this is not a change in the law, but simply a change in how the law is interpreted. The Justices have the power to put an end to the "No Prayer Zone". But unless the citizens of America speak up, nothing will be done!!!!

P.P.S. After signing this petition, please pass it on to your friends and family. Urge them to join with you by CLICKING HERE

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JOIN THOSE WHO ARE URGING THE U.S. SUPREME COURT TO CHANGE ITS POLICY TOWARD NO PRAYER: CLICK HERE

FOR MORE ON THIS AND OTHER CRITICAL ISSUES, CLICK HERE

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[ALS]

Is this for real?

Any articles or anything on this?

[notpoliticallycorewrecked]

I'm with you, I'll jump in when this can be verified.

[Judith Anne]

If this IS for real, I think it would be a wonderful idea for thousands upon thousands of Christians of every denomination to stand peacefully and pray where these women were threatened with arrest.

[stylin19a]

Why just Christians ?

[Husker24]

I dont believe this.

[Maedhros]

Since when does praying require any overt action? It's a purely internal activity. Detecting prayer requires clairvoyance.

[pops88]

I remember this incident reported quite a few months ago. The tip off that they were praying was the bowed heads. It's an amazing but true story.

[Judith Anne]

Okay, Jews too. With a Jewish mother and a Jewish sister, I'm surprised at myself for forgetting this. Who else did you have in mind?

[pops88]

Supreme Court steps are 'no prayer' zone By Guy Taylor THE WASHINGTON TIMES

[Sam Cree]

Nor do I. I would be unconstitutional, in a big way, IMO.

[ALS]

Well which is it? Prayer or prayer in groups? Looks like the "rule" is based on "assemblage".

Still, this is purely interpertation or the abuse of judicial license, not something I would consider Constitutional.

I wonder how they decide when any group is "assembling".
Would a family be assembling?

Now you know why the demwits will do anything to control the judges.

[stylin19a]

Just askin'...but now that you mention it...how about the Hare Krishnas? or.....whatever group is the wackiest. Then if they get arrested for prayer, they can argue they have been recognized as a legitimate religion.

Then they can apply for some of that there faith based initiative money.
Hey..this has possibilities

[antaresequity]

Simple: Just tell the police your not praying and your just bowing your head...

[Judith Anne]

;-D

[LiteKeeper]

read later

[pepsi_junkie]

Exceprt From The First Ammendment to Constitution: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..."

When did this line come to mean "The government has the right to restrict religious worship in selected locations"?

[Salvation]

BTTT! for prayer.

[Salvation]

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[Salvation]

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