Contact: Dane Rose, 202-546-8329, ext.106; Weekends and after hours contact Rev. Schenck directly at mobile 703-447-7686

WASHINGTON, Jan. 26 /Christian Newswire/ -- Republican presidential candidate John McCain has scheduled a town hall meeting at 11:45 AM this Sunday in Polk City, Florida. The National Clergy Council, representing church leaders of Catholic, Evangelical, Orthodox and Protestant church traditions, objects to a major campaign event being scheduled during church service hours.

National Clergy Council president, the Reverend Rob Schenck (pronounced SHANK) today released this statement:

"John McCain is showing an obvious insensitivity to church people by scheduling a major campaign event smack in the middle of Sunday morning church hours. We object to any candidate interfering with church attendance by encouraging supporters to skip church services to participate in political activities. If Senator McCain or any other candidate wishes to connect with church attendees, they need to respect Sunday morning church hours."

Rev. Schenck is available for further comment during weekend hours, except Sunday morning until 1:00 PM, at mobile 703-447-7686.