TheCall, NOM’s Maggie Gallagher and Bishop Harry Jackson team up to promote 40-day fast against marriage equality

By Eden James

On Monday, Jeremy Hooper posted these two videos from Sunday’s “Pray & Act” webcast on God TV, supported by TheCall. The comments made by Gallagher and Jackson are what you might expect from them but what I found even more interesting is the creative camerawork used to obscure another apparent #turnoutFAIL:

Merriam-Webster should use those videos to define what a “smattering” of applause means.

But don’t make the mistake of underestimating the religious right. After TheCall Sacramento, this event was the second of four events scheduled during this 40-day fast against marriage equality, with the final event happening on the Lincoln Memorial steps on Sunday, October 30, less than 48 hours before the November 2 mid-term elections across the country.

The “Pray & Act” web site might refer only indirectly to the election, but it’s crystal clear what the religious right is up to over the next seven weeks. Especially when that web site includes a video of Newt Gingrich, leader of the 1994 “Republican Revolution” takeover of the House and a paragon of hypocrisy on marriage, on its front page.

Here’s a rundown of what they’re saying and who is behind it:

For these reasons, we call on all faithful Christians to join us in the fight to defend life, protect and revitalize marriage, and preserve religious liberty and the rights of conscience. We must work tireless in all the “seven spheres of cultural influence:” (1) the home, (2) the church, (3) civil government / law / military, (4) business / technology, (5) education, (6) media, and finally (7) arts / entertainment / professional sports.

(snip)

Accordingly, we are calling for the first of a series of national 40-day fasts, built on Joel 2 (righteousness) and Isaiah 58 (authentic biblical compassion). The first fast will begin at 7:14 am (based on 2 Chronicles 7:14) Eastern time, on Sept 20 and end at 7:14 am, Oct. 30, 2010. Although many will follow only a liquid diet, persons can fast as God directs them during this 40-day span.

(snip)

· Being consistent by voting in all elections only for candidates who affirm the sanctity of life in all stages and conditions, the integrity of marriage as the union of one man and one woman, and religious liberty and respect for conscience.

SAVE 4 DATES FOR WEBCASTS TO PREPARE US FOR THE PRAYER TIME:

1. National Preparation for Pray & Act – SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 – SACRAMENTO, CA, the CA Capitol Building – Webcast on http://www.God.tv from 9am to 9pm Pacific time. (Come if you can.)

2. Seven Day Countdown Event – SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 – WASHINGTON, DC, Greater New Hope Baptist Church, 816 Eighth St. NW, Washington, DC – Webcast from http://www.God.tv – 8pm Eastern, 7pm Central, 6pm Mountain, 5pm Pacific. (Come if you can.)

3. Official Launch Event – SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 – WASHINGTON, DC – Webcast from http://www.AFA.com – 8pm Eastern, 7pm Central, 6pm Mountain, 5pm Pacific

4. Close Out Event – SATURDAY, OCT 30 – WASHINGTON, DC –Steps of the Lincoln Memorial – Webcast from http://www.AFA.com at 6pm Eastern, 5pm Central, 4 Mountain, 3pm Pacific.

WILL YOU HELP THE CHURCH ENGAGE?

Jim Garlow, Skyline Church & Renewing American Leadership
Chuck Colson, Founder Prison Fellowship & BreakPoint
Che Ahn, Harvest International Ministry
Vonette Bright, Co-Founder, Campus Crusade for Christ, International
Bishop Keith Butler, Founding Pastor, Word of Faith International Christian Center
Jim Daly, President & CEO, Focus on the Family
Lou Engle, TheCall to Conscience, TheCall
Father Joseph Fessio, Editor in Chief, Ignatius Press, San Francisco
Maggie Gallagher, National Organization for Marriage
Professor Robert George, Princeton University
Professor Timothy George, Dean, Beeson Divinity School
Jack Hayford, Founder and Chancellor, The King’s College and Seminary
Mike Huckabee, Former Governor of Arkansas & Host, The Mike Huckabee Show
Bishop Harry Jackson, Jr., High Impact Church Coalition
Cindy Jacobs, Generals of Intercession
Alveda King, Silent No More Awareness Campaign
Richard Land, The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
Ron Luce, Founder, Teen Mania & Battle Cry
Bishop Richard Malone, Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland (Maine)
Eva Muntean & Dolores Meehan, Co-Founders, West Coast Walk for Life, San Francisco
Penny Nance, Concerned Women for America
Tony Perkins, Family Research Council
James Robison, Life Outreach, International
Samuel Rodriguez, National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference
Alan Sears, Alliance Defense Fund
Chuck Stetson, Let’s Strengthen Marriage Campaign
Steve Strang, Publisher, Charisma Magazine
Tim Wildmon, American Family Association

There are a lot of familiar names there, of course. It’s a who’s who of the religious right — the same people who mobilized their movement to help pass Prop 8 in 2008. If you want to share information in the comments on what you know about some of the leaders and organizations mentioned above, go for it.