Pray And Act Movement

Special Report - September 14, 2010
A coalition of spiritual leaders, educators, and social activists are inviting Christians across the nation to join them “in the fight to defend life, protect and revitalize marriage, and preserve religious liberty and the rights of conscience” by signing the Manhattan Declaration, and participating in the Pray and A.C.T. initiative. The Manhattan Declaration, signed by leaders and citizens across the country, since it’s introduction earlier this year, affirms “the sanctity of Life, Marriage, and Liberty.” The initiative began in response to the “unprecedented challenges” to the foundational principles of justice and the common good, which recognize “the sanctity of human life in all stages and conditions,” “the sacredness of marriage as the covenantal union of husband and wife,” and “the right to religious liberty and respect for conscience.” At 7:14am on September 20, participants will begin 40 days of prayer and fasting, which will end October 30. Churches and individuals are encouraged to participate in a National Pray and Act Service webcast to begin their fast at 8pm EST on September 19.

The A.C.T. portion of the initiative refers to efforts by participants to Affirm the basics, Conform their lives to their talk, and Transform the culture by a restoration of values. The goal is for citizens to A.C.T in seven areas of society, including home, church, government/law/military, business/technology, education, media, and arts/entertainment/sports.

Leaders of the initiative include Fr. Frank Pavone of Priests for Life, Bishop Harry Jackson, who has helped lead the fight to preserve the definition of marriage in Washington, D.C., radio host Dr. Jim Garlow, Chuck Colson, founder of Prison Fellowship, Dr. Richard Land, president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics & Religious Libery Commission, Fr. Joseph Fessio, founder of the Saint Ignatius Institute, University of San Francisco and Ignatius Press, Bishop Richard Malone, Catholic bishop of Portland, Maine, Che Ahn, founder and president of Harvest International Ministry, and Maggie Gallagher, co-founder and chairman of the National Organization for Marriage, among others. More details on the initiative, webcast events, and the goals and purposes of Pray and A.C.T. can be found at www.prayandact.org.

Related article:
Interview with Timothy George - FNC Interview - January 2010
Manhattan Declaration Signers Increase - December 7, 2009
Christian Leaders Sign "Manhattan Declaration" - November 23, 2010

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