10.17.06

ADF Funded Ally Helps Pave Way for Teachers to Pray with Students...
Every September, Christian students from across the nation gather together around their school's flagpole before classes to pray for our nation, their school, their teachers, and their classmates.

The annual "See You at the Pole" (SYATP) event (pictured at right) is not just for students. Teachers and school administrators are welcome to participate, as long as their participation does not occur during regular school hours.

In O'Fallon, Missouri, school district principals received a memorandum from the superintendent prohibiting their teachers from participation. One teacher, who had hoped to participate, contacted ADF allied attorney Joseph Martins of the National Legal Foundation for assistance.

Joseph sent a letter explaining that teachers have a constitutional right to participate and pray as long as they do so on their own time. The school district allowed the teachers to join with the students around their school's flagpole.

After the event, the teacher wrote:
"What a great day. By 7 a.m. there were about 6 teachers and 2 students around the flagpole praying for our school. Five minutes later our circle grew too large and covered the sidewalk so we had to double up. By the time the teachers had to get in the building at 7:15 about a dozen teachers had stopped to pray... Many took turns praying aloud. How wonderful it was to hear my own students boldly speak prayers for their fellow students and teachers. Wow!...I know all of this has made a significant impact on different individuals from different perspectives...I firmly believe great good has been done in the hearts of all of us..."

Not too long ago, teachers like this had nowhere to turn when their constitutional rights were being trampled by the so-called "separation of church and state."

But because of your prayers and support, ADF has now been able to train an army of nearly 1,000 allied attorneys, like Joseph, who are actively working to preserve, defend, and affirm Our First Liberty – religious freedom. The result is that thousands of Americans can once again live and proclaim their faith without fear. Thank you for making this possible!

Learn more by reading the ADF press release...

U.S Supreme Court Refuses to Hear First Challenge to Federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)...
Last Tuesday, the United States Supreme Court refused to hear a challenge to the federal DOMA law in the case of Smelt v. County of Orange.

You may recall that in May of this year, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit dismissed an appeal by two men challenging the constitutionality of not only California's marriage laws, but also the federal DOMA. ADF senior counsel Byron Babione led the oral argument on behalf of the Proposition 22 Legal Defense and Education Fund before the appellate court in defense of both laws.

We praise God for the Supreme Court's decision on this limited, but critical issue – but there are still numerous ongoing fronts in the relentless attack by advocates of homosexual behavior on the institution of marriage. We are expecting a decision from the New Jersey Supreme Court – a court which has a history of judicial activism – any day, the Maryland and Iowa challenges are ongoing, and same-sex "marriage" proponents are already planning their appeal to the California Supreme Court of the recent win in the California Court of Appeal.

This is a time when we must remain vigilant, we must "keep our eye on the ball," and not become complacent. The advocates of homosexual behavior have demonstrated time and time again that they will use any means necessary to ensure that their radical agenda – which includes the eventual abolition of marriage – is codified into law. Though their tactics and challenges may change for a while, the battle is FAR from over. We know this because the other side has made it clear that they are far from quitting.

Please continue to be in prayer for all pending legal attacks on marriage – and that God's people will persevere.

Learn more by reading the ADF press release...

Prayer Requests | Visit the ADF prayer page
"Without Christ, we can do nothing." - John 15:5

1. Please pray for this week's National Litigation Academy - our 26th!
   
2. Please pray for continued wisdom for the many legal battles ahead.