Houston Pastor Controversy Brings 765 churches and nearly 3,000 Home Groups Who Declare: "We Stand for religious freedom" and "We Will Not Be Silenced"

FRC Staff : Nov 4, 2014
Family Research Council

Nearly 7,000 people showed up in solidarity with Houston pastors who refused to be intimidated by mayor's subpoena of their sermons and to hear speakers like Todd Starnes, Phil and Al Robertson, and the Benham Brothers lend their support.

(Houston, TX)—On Sunday, "I Stand Sunday," a live simulcast featuring Christian leaders including Family Research Council President Tony Perkins, Gov. Mike Huckabee, Dr. Ronnie Floyd, Dr. Rick Scarborough and the Houston pastors targeted by the city' s mayor, reached into 765 churches, and nearly 3,000 home groups.

Nearly 7,000 people were in attendance at the host church, Grace Community Church in Houston Texas. More than 65,000 viewers sent text messages taking the pledge to vote. With only two weeks' notice, churches across the country quickly signed up to simulcast "I Stand Sunday" in a demonstration of solidarity with the pastors and churches in Houston, Texas who have been harassed by the city's Mayor because they publicly challenged her efforts to advance policies that are in direct conflict with biblical morality.

"I Stand Sunday was an unprecedented moment as Christians came together to stand for religious freedom in America, said Family Research Council President Tony Perkins.

The courageous pastors of Houston now know that they are not standing alone. Last night, 765 churches and nearly 3,000 home groups made a declaration that they are standing for religious freedom and will not be silenced," added Perkins.

"While the subpoenas have been withdrawn, this wasn't about subpoenas or sermons. This is really about political intimidation. I pray that God will take what was done last night and use it to ignite something in the hearts of His people that could transform this nation," concluded Perkins.

The simulcast, cosponsored by Family Research Council, Vision America, Alliance Defending Freedom, and Christians Vote, featured Duck Dynasty's Phil and Al Robertson, the Benham Brothers, Fox News columnist and commentator Todd Starnes among others. American Family Radio and Bott Radio provided live coverage of the event.

Click here to watch Todd Starnes give his message at the gathering.