Contact: Father Terry Gensemer, 205-253-0159; Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, 540-538-4741; Jeff White, 909-744-4479

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Oct. 19 /Standard Newswire/ -- For 13 years, law enforcement officials have arrested peaceful pro-life activists for praying and sharing on that public sidewalk.

This crushing of free speech rights and abuse of the First Amendment is based on a misinterpretation of a federal injunction issued 13 years ago which officials say bans all First Amendment activities on the public sidewalk at the clinic.
 
See sign posted on sidewalk by clicking here.
 
The groups will conduct the prayer vigil and witness at the New Woman All Women abortion clinic beginning Wednesday, October 20, at 9:00 A.M.
 
The address of the clinic is located at 1001 17th St. South in Birmingham.
 
The groups will be conducting the prayer vigil and witness at the clinic every morning from October 20 -23.
 
The activists will move forward with their peaceful, free speech activities even if it means being charged with contempt of a federal court order.
 
These activities are part of a week long event called "The Birmingham Letter Project" sponsored by the California based Survivors of the Abortion Holocaust and will also include events at local high schools and colleges.
 
Father Terry Gensemer, Pastor of the Church of the Reconciler, states;
 
"Since the time of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his work for civil rights in 1963, God has clearly shone the light of His justice in Birmingham, Alabama.  This week that same justice is needed for the most oppressed of all people, innocent pre-born children.
 
"Not only is this a priority for God, it is also a priority for the people of Birmingham who will have a chance this week to stand for life during the historic Birmingham Letter Project."
 
Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Washington, D.C.  based Christian Defense
Coalition, comments,
 
"A generation ago activists gathered in Birmingham, Alabama to fight the horror of racism, segregation and injustice.  They were willing to face the force of powerful fire houses, jail and vicious police dogs to end segregation, establish human rights for all and celebrate the First Amendment.
 
"Their courage and heroic efforts inspire us today as we fight to end the horror and violence of abortion and establish human rights for all.
 
"As we gather to pray on the streets of Birmingham we want to send a clear message that we will not be bullied or intimidated into surrendering our First Amendment rights in defense of innocent life.  After 13 years of harassment, the pro-life community will be a bold, prophetic public witness.
 
"This week we will be walking on the same hallowed ground as these civil rights workers and we will echo the words of Dr. King from Birmingham when he stated, 'Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.'"
 
Jeff White, Founder of Survivors of the Abortion Holocaust, adds,
 
"An abuse of free speech rights has been allowed to continue in Birmingham, Alabama for 13 years.  That has silenced the life saving voices of sidewalk counselors and spelled death for babies that otherwise might have been saved.
 
"We will peacefully cross into this illegally applied bubble zone and be a loud voice for these babies." 
 
For more information or interviews contact:
 
Father Terry Gensemer   205.253.0159
 
Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney   540.538.4741
 
Jeff White    909.744.4479