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Category Archives: Washington DC

Pastors Outraged Over DC Mayor's "Strike at the Fabric of the Faith Community"

Award-winning gospel recording artist and pastor Donnie McClurkin was uninvited from a Martin Luther King Memorial concert this past weekend in Washington, DC. Why? Local pastors, and McClurkin himself, insist that DC Mayor Vincent Gray heeded the demands of gay rights activists, informing McClurkin the night before the event that he was "not welcomed and uninvited":

Pastor Donnie McClurkinDonnie McClurkin, award-winning and internationally celebrated gospel recording artist and Christian minister, has claimed that he was uninvited from a MLK Memorial concert on Saturday in Washington, D.C. because Mayor Vincent C. Gray heeded the demands of gay rights activists who wanted him dropped from the event marking the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington. McClurkin has previously shared that he believes God delivered him from the "sin of homosexuality" and that people with unwanted same-sex attractions can change.

McClurkin, pastor of Perfecting Faith Church in Freeport, N.J., stated in a Socialcam video: "The mayor of D.C. uninvited me from a concert that I was supposed to headline today in the Washington (National) Mall commemorating...this 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Movement. I was asked not to attend although I'm considered the headliner of the concert, and advertisements had been circulated and the churches as well as the community are prepared to come out by the tens of thousands into the Washington Mall (area)."

The New Jersey minister went on to reveal that he had received a phone call while on his way to the airport the night before the event and was told that he was "not welcomed and uninvited," according to promoters who had reportedly received word from Mayor Gray's office.

The Baptist Convention of the District of Columbia and Vicinity have released a statement to the press in response to Mayor Vincent Gray's actions:

Press Statement - Donnie McClurkin's Civil Rights Infringement 081113

JOIN US: Thomas Peters Benefit Concert

We can't thank you enough for the outpouring of support for our Communications Director Thomas Peters as he continues his journey toward recovery. As many of you know, Thomas sustained very serious injuries following a diving accident last month, but has made significant progress over these past weeks and continues to show great signs of improvement.

If you'd like to help out in a more significant way, please consider joining us for a benefit concert for Thomas on WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14TH in Washington, DC. 100% of the proceeds will go to support the needs of the Peters family.

Thomas Peters Benefit Concert Flyer

You can keep up with Thomas' progress here on a blog set up by family and friends.

Video: All the March for Marriage Speakers!

Did you miss the March for Marriage? Now you can watch the whole program of our rally on the National Mall!

This playlist plays the individual speakers one by one, as well as the introduction and closing remarks by our President Brian Brown:

What's the next step? Signing our citizens petition to the Supreme Court!

March On!

National Organization for Marriage

National Organization for Marriage

National Organization for Marriage

2013 March for MarriageThe March for Marriage on TwitterThe March for Marriage on FacebookNational Organization for Marriage

Dear Marriage Supporter,

This week, we started something BIG… but we're only getting started!

Click here right away to sign NOM's Marriage Petition to the Supreme Court!

On Tuesday, thousands of people rallied in Washington DC, marching in front of the Supreme Court in support of the true definition of marriage: the exclusive and faithful union of one man and one woman!

NOM brought together a coalition of over 40 groups in support of this effort and it has already made a tremendous impact! We met our opponents on the street in front of the Supreme Court, but thanks to the brave individuals who came out in support of marriage on Tuesday, the UK Daily Mail was able to report that we "easily outnumber[ed] advocates for gay marriage."

See for yourself what an incredible gathering this was by clicking here:

Of course, it took an international newspaper to report these facts.

But you can see the truth for yourself here:

And even on the day of the March, new supporters came on board to voice support for our efforts: right up to the Vatican itself! In a statement from Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, President of the Pontifical Council for the Family, the diversity of ethnicities and faith backgrounds that made up our March was both highlighted and applauded!

This is just one more sign of the incredible momentum the movement to defend marriage is generating world-wide!

Supporter, we will NOT be silenced! I'm proud that NOM can represent your voice and your values despite the efforts of a small, vocal and elite minority to silence us.

We must continue fighting for marriage. Tuesday was not a end in itself… it was just the beginning!

Please continue standing for marriage as we gather as many signatures as we can to present to the Supreme Court in advance of their rulings in the Prop 8 and DOMA cases.

Click here to sign our petition to the Supreme Court today!

May God bless you this Holy Week!

National Organization for Marriage Leads Massive March and Rally in Support of Marriage

National Organization for Marriage

National Organization for Marriage

National Organization for Marriage

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 26, 2013
Contact: Elizabeth Ray or Jen Campbell (703-683-5004)

National Organization for Marriage Leads Massive March and Rally in Support of Marriage

2013 March for MarriageThe March for Marriage on TwitterThe March for Marriage on FacebookNational Organization for Marriage

"A diverse crowd of more than 10,000 marched today to show that those who protect marriage are on the right side of history."
— Brian Brown, NOM president

Washington, D.C. — More than 10,000 pro-marriage citizens from across the country and from every walk of life marched and rallied today peacefully in our nation's capital, rallying at the National Mall and marching to the Supreme Court with two simple messages: "Respect Our Votes!" and "Kids Deserve a Mom and a Dad!"

The National Organization for Marriage (NOM) led a coalition of over 45 organizations featuring over 20 speakers all united in the common purpose of defending marriage between one man one woman while demanding the Supreme Court respect the millions upon millions of Americans who have voted to enact laws protecting marriage in their state constitutions.

Brian Brown, President of NOM said, "A diverse crowd of more than 10,000 marched today to show that those who protect marriage are on the right side of history. The Supreme Court has no right to redefine marriage and roll back the efforts of Americans to protect marriage as the union of one man and one woman, the only social arrangement that gives children the mother and father they deserve."

Brown continued: "The fact that our supporters remained peaceful, kneeling in prayer and singing songs and chants even in the face of verbal attacks and intimidation by our opponents is a testament to the respectful way pro-marriage activists carry themselves, even when harassed."

Brian concluded: "Forget the media hype and confusion, our numbers today show that the American people are strongly pro-marriage and pro-marriage Americans aren't going anywhere. This is the beginning of the fight to protect marriage. Our opponents know this, which is why they are hoping the Supreme Court will cut short a debate they know they will ultimately lose if the political process and democracy are allowed to run their course. Those who believe that marriage is the unique and special union of one man and one woman are on the right side of history."

Please visit www.NationforMarriage.org and www.NomBlog.com for photos and videos from the march and rally.

Donate Today

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To schedule an interview with Brian Brown, President of the National Organization for Marriage, please contact Elizabeth Ray (x130), [email protected], or Jen Campbell (x145), [email protected], at 703-683-5004.

Paid for by The National Organization for Marriage, Brian Brown, president. 2029 K Street NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20006, not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. New § 68A.405(1)(f) & (h).

VIDEO: Recap of the March for Marriage

Watch the video recap of the March for Marriage!

Update -- video now fixed:

NOM at the 2013 March for Marriage!

We're marching for marriage today from the National Mall to the Supreme Court!

This post contains a slideshow of today's march from the morning rally to the actual march to the Supreme Court. Please check back regularly for new pictures!

ONLY 6 HOURS LEFT!

National Organization for Marriage

National Organization for Marriage

National Organization for Marriage

2013 March for MarriageThe March for Marriage on TwitterThe March for Marriage on FacebookNational Organization for Marriage

SPECIAL NOTE: If you are attending the March, please make sure you have looked over the map of the march route and the schedule!

Dear Marriage Supporter,

There are only a few hours remaining to double your donation in defense of marriage and the faith communities that sustain it!

We're only $25,000 short of our $500,000 goal — will you help us close the gap now?

This is your absolute last chance to contribute and have your contribution doubled:

www.marriagepledge.com

Can't Wait To See You Tomorrow!

National Organization for Marriage

National Organization for Marriage

National Organization for Marriage

2013 March for MarriageThe March for Marriage on TwitterThe March for Marriage on FacebookNational Organization for Marriage

Dear Marriage Supporter,

We march tomorrow! I look forward to being able to stand with you in this historic demonstration. Thank you so much for your dedication to marriage.

Please be sure to double-check www.marriagemarch.org for a copy of our map and schedule to bring along with you tomorrow to DC.

As you may know, just yesterday approximately 1.4 million French citizens marched in Paris to demonstrate their support for marriage as the union of one man and one woman — the SECOND time this year that more than one million people have gathered to stand for marriage in Paris!

What you may not know, is that NOM's marriage march video was shown to the crowds there, and that one of our speakers — Professor Robert Oscar Lopez — was on hand to tell the French marriage heroes about our own upcoming March. Here's what one of the attendees in Paris, a French-American woman, emailed us last night to say:

This pro-marriage movement is growing slowly but surely with people involved, from various ways of life, political backgrounds and associations. The special TGV train reserved for the event, from the cities of Toulon and Marseille, was sold out (1200 seats). Many large families were able to go thanks to donations made by families living much nearer to the capital.

We stood massed along the avenue de la Grande Armée, as well as several other adjacent avenues for nearly three hours....

I was in tears to see the witnessing of one of my American compatriots, the last speaker [Prof. Lopez] who announced the upcoming Marriage March in Washington on March 26th, and the short announcement film for the march was seen by over a million French! The applause and cheering was astounding!

I hope this makes you as excited for tomorrow as it makes me. And it might help to watch our March video again, too:

I can't wait until tomorrow to be a part of this growing international movement to defend marriage. And I can't wait for you to join us!

See you at the March!

Only 12 Hours Left!

National Organization for Marriage

National Organization for Marriage

National Organization for Marriage

2013 March for MarriageThe March for Marriage on TwitterThe March for Marriage on FacebookNational Organization for Marriage

SPECIAL NOTE: If you are attending the March, please make sure you have looked over the map of the march route and the schedule!

Dear Marriage Supporter,

We're only one day away from our historic March for Marriage.

And that means we only have 12 hours left to raise the remaining $40,000 toward our $500,000 matching gift goal.

We're so close to reaching our goal!

If you donate immediately, your contribution will automatically DOUBLE, maximizing the impact of your gift for the defense of marriage.

Will you please click here to make an urgent donation of $50, $100, $500, or $1,000 or more knowing that every dollar you give for marriage will be doubled to fund the March and the defense of marriage all across the country?

Can I count on your help in this critical hour?

The Day After Tomorrow

National Organization for Marriage

National Organization for Marriage

National Organization for Marriage

2013 March for MarriageThe March for Marriage on TwitterThe March for Marriage on FacebookNational Organization for Marriage

Dear Marriage Supporter,

In just two short days, the day after tomorrow, I will have the honor of leading a march of thousands in our nation's capitol to the United States Supreme Court.

Please make an emergency donation right away to help us reach our $500,000 matching gift goal.

Remember, if you donate today, your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar, DOUBLING its impact in the fight to defend marriage!

The upcoming March for Marriage is not an ending, it's a beginning!

NOM will be continuing to fight in the months ahead to make sure politicians, judges and the cultural elites around the country know that the American people believe in marriage as the union of one man and one woman because children have a right to a mother and a father.

This is our winning message that is gaining traction as more voices proclaim its truth!

America is a one part of the global marriage movement. The movement to defend marriage is growing — not only here in the United States where NOM has brought together the broadest coalition of partner organizations ever to participate in this historic march in defense of marriage — but world-wide.

Consider — already this year:

  • in France, just over a month ago, I had the honor of participating in a march that saw over a million people pour into the Paris streets to protest their government's unilateral redefinition of marriage — and today, the French were back out in the streets with even greater numbers, still marching for marriage;

  • in Puerto Rico, shortly after, almost 200,000 people (on an island with less than 4 million people) showed up to demonstrate their support for true marriage;

  • in England, over 600,000 British citizens have signed a petition in support of one man, one woman marriage; and

  • in Australia, a judge recently threw out a legal challenge to the country's definition of marriage as the union of a man and a woman.

Perhaps one of the most striking examples came from Argentina in 2010, when Pope Francis, then Archbishop of Buenos Aires, helped turn out hundreds of thousands for a march for marriage and spoke powerfully in defense of marriage against the government's attempt to redefine marriage.

This is a nascent, growing, global movement to protect the sanctity of marriage — which is the only social institution that connects parents and children.

Marriage Supporter, will you stand with this ever expanding coalition of marriage supporters of all faiths, traditions, countries, cultures and backgrounds by making a gift of $35, $50, $100 or $500 or more to NOM today?

Marriage is under attack. But so many good people like you are standing up to defend it. And more are joining us every day! Please stand with NOM once again by supporting our work to protect marriage and the faith communities that sustain it.

We are at the beginning of a new chapter in the movement to protect marriage. Thank you.

3 Days To Change History!

National Organization for Marriage

National Organization for Marriage

National Organization for Marriage

2013 March for MarriageThe March for Marriage on TwitterThe March for Marriage on FacebookNational Organization for Marriage

Dear Marriage Supporter,

There are only three days left until NOM, our 40+ coalition partners and thousands of marchers descend on the capitol!

And that means there are only three days left for us to realize the entirety of the $500,000 matching gift pledged by a heroic defender of marriage.

As one of NOM's supporters, you have taken action whenever marriage has been threatened and been a part of our regular victories over the "impossible" and "inevitable" same-sex marriage movement. With your help, we have won tremendous victories for marriage in recent years in California, North Carolina, and many other states.

That's why Thursday, USA Today called NOM the "tip of the spear" of the "diverse coalition" of groups dedicated to preserving marriage as the union of one man and one woman. That's why yesterday's New York Times profiled us as fighting with "zeal and strategy."

But now I need to ask you to invest financially in this fight. If everyone reading this email were to give $10, we would easily meet our goal.

Battles are heating up in deep blue states like Illinois, Minnesota and Rhode Island right as the Supreme Court is preparing to hear two landmark cases.

Will you help us by making an immediate donation to help NOM ramp up our efforts to defend marriage in the days leading up to the pending, historic Supreme Court cases next week?

And if you donate right away, your donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar, DOUBLING the impact and effectiveness of your contribution.

We are only $90,000 short of our goal as of this morning. We have three days to raise that amount and realize the full $500,000 matching gift pledge.

Will you stand with us once again by making a donation right away?

More than ever, marriage needs dedicated champions in the days to come... champions who will stand courageously and faithfully in its defense. Please join me and prove that you are a champion for marriage.

Out of Time...

National Organization for Marriage

National Organization for Marriage

National Organization for Marriage

2013 March for MarriageThe March for Marriage on TwitterThe March for Marriage on FacebookNational Organization for Marriage

Dear Marriage Supporter,

In a few days, on March 26th, NOM along with over 40 pro-family partners will March for Marriage in our nation's capital.

We are running out of time.

We still have many, many churches that want to organize buses for their congregants to attend the March, but do not have the money to fund them.

Will you give now to help change history? Many generous donors have contributed to the March. But if everyone who receives this email would give something, anything — even $5 or $10 — we would easily have the resources to shape history together.

Won't you please make an immediate, secure, confidential and tax-deductible donation to support this historic undertaking?

We also remain in need of volunteers at the March. Please e-mail [email protected] if you are interested in volunteering.

But above all else, please forward this email to everyone you know who supports traditional marriage!

You can also use the buttons below to do so:

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God bless you!

Have You Signed Up For The March For Marriage?

National Organization for Marriage

National Organization for Marriage

National Organization for Marriage

2013 March for MarriageThe March for Marriage on TwitterThe March for Marriage on FacebookNational Organization for Marriage

Dear Marriage Supporter,

Knowing what you know today, what would you do if you could roll back the clock to before the infamous Roe v Wade decision was issued by the Supreme Court?

Would you show up in front of the Supreme Court and make your voice heard?

Well, today it's 1973 for marriage.

And that's why the National Organization for Marriage has brought together the broadest, most extensive coalition of organizations ever (including Catholics Called 2 Witness, CatholicVote.com, The Family Research Council, Concerned Women for America, Focus on the Family and CitizenLink, the Coalition of African American Pastors and many, many more) to make a resounding statement on March 26th by marching for marriage in front of the United States Supreme Court on the day they will be hearing a case that has the potential to become the Roe v Wade for marriage.

And YOU can be a part of it. Even though the March for Marriage is just a few days away, there's still time to sign up — just click here to be a part of this historic march!

Please consider coming to march for marriage next Tuesday and be a part of history. And even if you can't make it, please forward this message to family and friends who may be able to attend (you can use the buttons below).

Facebook ThisTweet ThisEmail This

Together, we can make March 26th a historic day for marriage, showing the world — and our government leaders nationwide —that the American people believe that marriage is the union of one man and one woman because children have a right to both a mom and a dad.

Your help is crucial to the success of this important endeavor. This is our time to March for Marriage, to stand up for the rights of future generations to share in this beautiful and time-honored institution and not to have foisted on them a radically reshaped version of it. We need to stand up now — the stakes are just too high to sit on the sidelines.

With all of us doing our part, we will prevail — for marriage, for family, for God and country.

I hope to see you on the 26th!

This is it...

National Organization for Marriage

National Organization for Marriage

National Organization for Marriage

Dear Marriage Supporter,

We have one week left before the March for Marriage on March 26th. One week to bring together thousands to stand proud and tall for the truth that it takes a man and a woman to make a marriage. One week to make sure that the Supreme Court and Justice Kennedy in particular understand the diversity of our coalition. One week to change history...

But I've got to be honest with you. We are struggling to make sure that everyone has a chance to make history...

Please click here right away to make a confidential, tax-deductible donation of $35, $50, $100, $500 or more to make the March for Marriage an unequivocal success!

We've received many more bus requests from around the country than we can afford. Though Citizen Link, the Thomas More Law Center and the Manhattan Declaration have come to our aid in recent days by financially supporting our efforts to subsidize buses, we still have an enormous financial need to help struggling churches send their congregants to the March from out of town.

I need you to not only give your most generous gift, but also forward this message and urge your friends and family to do the same (you can use the buttons below to pass along this message).

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We have an incredibly generous matching pledge of $500,000 up until the March... but we're falling short of the mark. We cannot afford to waste this opportunity! As of today, we have only raised around $300,000 toward our $500,000 goal. Now is the time to take action! Please click here to make your most generous gift in support of the Match for Marriage and help us take advantage of this incredible matching gift opportunity!

Will you help change history in this last week with both your prayer and action... and by giving whatever you can today?