WASHINGTON, The Capitol Police General Counsel told Rev. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, that he would face arrest and fines if he read the story from the Bible or displayed the Nativity Scene.
On Thursday, December 22, at 12:00 P.M. Rev. Mahoney and Kris Keating, Director of Hillside Missions, read the Christmas Story from the Gospels in spite of the threat of arrest or fines.
The Capitol Police backed down on their threats and no arrests were made, no fines issued and no disruption of the Scripture reading or prayer service occurred.
The Christian Defense Coalition applauds the Capitol Police for doing the right thing and allowing free speech and religious expression to be celebrated on the lawn of the United States Capitol Building.
This episode clearly shows that the faith community must fight attacks directed toward the First Amendment and religious liberty and be a loud, prophetic voice for justice and free speech.
Simply stated, it is important to stand up against "bullies" when they try to crush free speech and religious liberty and ensure that every American is allowed to express their faith tradition in the public square free from government intimidation or oppression.
For more information or interviews call:
Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney at 540.538.4741
