Pastor Sued for Publicly Acknowledging Jesus

I received the following disturbing email today and when I searched the forum here I couldn't find anything on this guy so I thought I should share it. This man may need Grassfire help; (email from www.faithandaction.org)

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Imagine a leading pastor being asked to open a public meeting in prayer—and then being told he can't pray in Jesus' name because it's unconstitutional!
That’s exactly what happened to 58 year old Baptist minister, Rev. Hashmel Turner, of Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Pastor Turner, an esteemed African-American clergyman, who grew up in poverty, was fed by church people, and gave his life to Jesus Christ in a Billy Graham Crusade, is now going to court to defend the right of Christian clergy to pray in public meetings according to their conscience.
Hashmel was sued because he dared to end his prayers at the Fredericksburg, Virginia, city council meetings with these powerful words: In Jesus Name!
Apparently, the mention of the name of Jesus in a public meeting is enough to create a constitutional crisis.
Now, Pastor Turner is a modern day “David” fighting against “Goliaths” like the ACLU and Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, who brought suit against him, claiming he violated the constitution by using the name of Jesus in a public place.
What these anti-God extremists really want is no prayer at all in a public setting. Their ultimate aim is to silence ANY public expression of faith.
Thankfully, Pastor Turner refused to back down to these radical views. He refuses to accept that Jesus is now banished from city council meetings.
WE MUST SUPPORT THIS BRAVE MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL IN HIS STRUGGLE AGAINST AN OUTRAGEOUS ATTACK UPON HIS FAITH!
That’s why I’m asking you to sign our “Letter of Support to Pastor Turner” right now.
In just a few days, Rev. Turner will meet with us at our ministry center in Washington, DC. We want him to know that thousands of believers across America are grateful for his courage and stand with him in this historic conflict.
I’ve personally been involved in these public battles before and I can tell you how encouraging it is to know that you are not alone in your fight. Sometimes the only thing that sustains you is your faith and the support of those around you.
Rev. Turner’s case is being closely monitored. There is little doubt the decision in this litigation will affect city councils all across America.
What we do here may be felt across the nation. As a nation we are at a pivotal moment in our history. This is NOT a time to back away from our reliance on the God of our Fathers; it is a time to acknowledge our dependence upon him.
WE ARE NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL. WE ARE NOT ASHAMED OF THE NAME OF JESUS!
Please join us as we join ranks with Rev. Hashmel Turner in his “David and Goliath” battle for the right to publicly acknowledge God.
Sign our “Letter of Support to Pastor Turner” and then forward it to all of your family, friends, co-workers and fellow worshippers.
I will personally deliver your petitions to Rev. Turner and remind him that he is not alone in this historic battle. It is imperative he knows that thousands of Americans across the nation are praying for him and for his family during this stressful time.
Remember, Pastor Turner is coming to our ministry headquarters in just a few days so we need you to act now. Let me hear from you as we work together to preserve America as one nation…UNDER GOD!
Your Missionary to Capitol Hill,
Rob Schenck

PS: Please sign our “Letter of Support to Pastor Turner” to let him know that thousands of people of faith stand with him in this outrageous attack upon the name of Jesus. Then, once you’ve signed the petition, please forward this email to all of your family, friends, and fellow worshippers. Thank you.

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evil never rests, so we can't either.

Thank you all for the support :)

LBJ pulled the teeth from American churchs in 1954 using 501c3 tax exempt status.  It is a contract between the church and the Gov't that effectively silences a church on gov't matters.

Church do not have to and should not go  501c3.  Churches can go from 501c3 to non 501c3.  Check out

http://hushmoney.org/501c3-facts.htm

Four lettered words are allowed on TV and radio but the pledge of allegiance is banned from school and a religious person can use the word "Jesus" ?

I may be an atheist but I have a major problem with the above.