Contact: Rev. Rob Schenck, President, National Clergy Council, weekend and after hours, 703-447-7686; business hours at 202-546-8329 ext. 103

DENVER, August 24 /Christian Newswire/ -- In its first "official event" of the 2008 Democratic Convention, Pentecostal preacher and Bishop Charles E. Blake of the Church of God in Christ, took to the pulpit of an Interfaith Gathering and unequivocally denounced abortion, saying God could not be pleased with millions of lives being ended by elective abortion.

President of the pro-life National Clergy Council, Rev. Rob Schenck, who was present at the event, said, "This is an amazing development. Bishop Blake was crystal clear in condemning abortion. There was nothing subtle about it. He identified himself as a pro-life Democrat and blatantly challenged his party's historic position on abortion. He also challenged Barack Obama to pursue his promise to reduce abortions and to ensure 'viable' alternatives. Just this one moment is a significant turn for the Democratic Party."

Rev. Schenck said the hall, filled with several thousand, fell uneasily silent as Blake spoke against abortion. Rev. Schenck is available for further comment, weekend and after hours at 703-447-7686 and business hours at 202-546-8329 extension 103.