WASHINGTON, May 4, 2021 /Christian Newswire/ — For the first time in 70 years, there will be no public prayer gathering at the US Capitol Building during The National Day of Prayer.
Rev. Patrick Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, was denied a permit to hold a prayer service at the Capitol on The National Day of Prayer.
Peaceful First Amendment activities continue to be prohibited on the grounds of the United States Capitol.
The National Day of Prayer is an annual day of observance held on the first Thursday of May, designated by the United States Congress when people are asked "to turn to God in prayer and meditation." The president is required by law (36 U.S.C. § 119) to sign a proclamation each year, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day.
Recently, Rev. Mahoney filed a federal lawsuit against Speaker Pelosi and Vice-President Harris seeking injunctive relief to hold a public Good Friday Service at the Capitol after his permit application was denied.
Here is a link to a news story on his lawsuit:
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/christian-minister-sues-pelosi-harris-for-access-to-capitol-grounds-for-good-friday
Rev. Patrick Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, comments;
"It is deeply troubling for the first time in 70 years, there will not be a public prayer service at the United States Capitol Building on The National Day of Prayer. Every American needs to be asking the question, how is it possible to have public prayer prohibited at the Capitol on The National Day of Prayer? Especially when it is a national observance designated by Congress.
"The 'People's House,' as the US Capitol Building is so rightly called, must be a place where all Americans are afforded the right to come and peacefully celebrate and express their First Amendment Rights. Tragically, those rights and freedoms are being denied and prohibited.
"I will continue to work to ensure the 'People's House' is returned to the people and the First Amendment is once again celebrated and honored at the United States Capitol."
