Contact: Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, 540-538-4741
WASHINGTON, Dec. 21, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- Rev. Patrick Mahoney to read the Christmas Story at the Capitol Tree on Thursday, December 22, at 12:00 P.M.
The Capitol Christmas Tree is located on the West Lawn of the United States Capitol Building.
Rev. Mahoney met with Capitol Police officials telling them of his plans to sing Christmas Carols, read the Christmas story, pray for peace, justice and religious freedom, hold a small 5 inch Nativity Display and pray for political leaders at the Capitol Christmas Tree.
Police officials told him some of his activities may be prohibited or constitute an illegal demonstration.
Rev. Mahoney contacted his attorney, Jim Henderson Senior Counsel for the American Center for Law and Justice, who in turn called the Office of General Counsel for the Capitol Police on Tuesday, December, 21.
After talking with the Assistant General Counsel for the Capitol Police, Mr. Henderson sent Rev. Mahoney this email:
"Your use of the Bible or the ornament (Nativity Scene) would convert your activity, in the view of the Capitol Police, into a prohibited demonstration. If you failed to discontinue that activity on police direction you would be risking ticketing or arrest."
Rev. Mahoney told Capitol Police officials he would still read the Christmas Story and hold the Nativity Display on Thursday even if it meant arrest or citation.
This threat of arrest for reading from the Bible comes in the wake of national news stories reporting that the Capitol Christmas Tree has no ornaments depicting the Christmas Story, The Nativity or Jesus.
Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, states:
"Yet, this is what I am facing on Thursday at noon.
"Sadly, we are seeing a growing hostility toward public expressions of faith in the public square especially during the Christmas Season.
"We are now seeing that at the Capitol Christmas Tree where there are no ornaments of Christ or the Nativity and a minister is facing arrest for reading the Christmas Story from the Bible.
"I was told I could hold sheet music, an instrument or camera in my hand, but if I hold a Bible or small Nativity Scene that would be considered a 'prop' and cause me to face arrest or citation.
"I want to make to clear that every American should have the right to express their faith in the public square free from government intimidation or harassment.
"If that means spending time in jail for reading the Christmas Story from the Bible, then I consider that a small price price to pay."
Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney at 540.538.4741
Replies
What utter rot!
I wonder what would happen if hundreds showed up and were in prayer. Would they arrest or ticket hundreds? If Muslims were there praying on their prayer rugs, would they be arrested? The Christian faith needs to come together and start supporting one another, as we are the ones that are treated unfairly.
Thanks for sharing this.
One thing for sure is that since the new bill has been signed the Rev. can be HELD forever now without breaking any USA laws other than trying to hold the Christian faith.. For the muslims in the white house will say he is a home grown terrorist and put in a FEMA camp and you will never see him again...
No Pat, it is only Christians who are targeted. Reason: we are still talking about sin and redemption. Dominion Theology along with Universalism and the rebirth of the Holy Roman Empire which embraces the God of Islam is moving into place "Universially."
This country was founded dy christians.In GOD we trust.One nation under GOD.
ANYONE KNOW WHAT HAPPENED?? THE LSM WONT COVER IT.
Prayer is needed.
Why did Mahoney meet with the Capitol police in the first place? Is it a requirement in this Country now that expressions of traditional faith have to be cleared by the government? If that is true, the time for talk is over - lock and load! I may not agree with Mahoney's brand of Christianity, but I'll sure as hell back him up on his right to express it on the White House lawn.
Right on! I'm with you!
Major Daniel P. Corcoran (ret)
Remember where the "Holy Roman Empire" took Europe, and what they did to the founders of the Reformation when they caught them? They were burned at the stake, put on the rack and stretched, tortured in scores of ways unless they recanted. It is now back on the dock. The Holy Roman Empire has been reborn.
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