Marriage concerns in Washington prompt prayer

By JOHN FORTMEYER
CNNW publisher
     VANCOUVER, Wash. — Concerned that the Biblical standard for marriage in Washington state is about to be overturned, two Christian public policy agencies are jointly sponsoring seven prayer rallies throughout the state this month, and one will be held here Sunday, March 12.
    The rally begins at 6 p.m. at Crossroads Community Church, 7708 N.E. 78th St. Other rallies will be held in Wenatchee, Spokane, Richland, Yaki-ma, Seattle and Poulsbo.
    The rallies are sponsored by Faith & Freedom Network and by Sound the Alarm. Based in Bothell, Wash., Faith and Freedom Network is headed by Gary Randall, well-known broadcaster, minister and businessman from the Portland area, and Rev. Joe Fuiten, a native Oregonian who has been senior pastor at Cedar Park Assembly of God near Seattle since 1981. Based in Edmonds, Wash., Sound the Alarm is headed by a board composed of pastors and lay leaders across the state.
     Recent passage of state legislation, and an expected ruling from the state Supreme Court that would redefine marriage to allow same-sex unions, have the evangelical Christian agencies deeply concerned.
    “The passage of HB 2661, granting special class status to homosexuals, and now the anticipated Supreme Court decision in Olympia, overturning biblical marriage, must be an alarm to every Christian,” states the Sound the Alarm web site. “These circumstances compel us to set aside our differences and rally for prayer across our state.”
     According to Faith & Freedom Network, the rallies will be interdenominational, “with a clear call to prayer and a specific call to action. Forms for signature gathering will be available at these meetings.” For details, go to www.faithandfreedom.us or www.sound thealarm.com.