Contact: Rev. Pat Mahoney, 540-538-4741

PHILADELPHIA, April 25, 2013 /Christian Newswire/ -- The prayer vigil will begin on Monday, April 29, at 12:00 noon, in front of the Courthouse, when closing arguments begin.

The courthouse is located at 1301 Filbert Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107.

Pro-life leaders will also call Americans from across the nation to join with them in prayer and fasting while the verdict is being considered.

There will be a brief news conference before the prayer vigil begins.

The prayer and public witness will be led by the Rev. Pat Mahoney of Christian Defense Coalition based in Washington, D.C., Fr. Terry Gensemer of CEC For Life headquartered in Long Island, New York, and Troy Newman and Cheryl Sullenger of Operation Rescue headquartered in Wichita, Kansas.

Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition states, "We will be gathering in prayer and public witness to ask God that these violent and barbaric acts of violence against women and children would be brought to justice. We will also be praying that we would live in a nation with human rights and equality would be guaranteed and embraced for all and we would never have to witness atrocities like this again.

"Sadly, the tragedy and horror surrounding the actions of Kermit Gosnell show that government officials and the pro-choice movement are more interested in protecting abortion rights then they are protecting the rights and health of women and their children."

Fr. Terry Gensemer, Director of CEC For Life, comments, "The decision this jury hands down is going to be a pivotal and defining moment in the history of human rights. When we stand outside of that court room on Monday, we will be praying that justice will prevail and that the innate human dignity of the women and children horrifically brutalized inside Gosnell's 'shop of horrors' will be recognized and upheld."

Troy Newman of Operation Rescue also comments, "We remain acutely aware that abortion clinics across America are operating in Gosnell-like conditions committing violations that Gosnell also committed. We will continue to pray for justice in the Gosnell case and that all abortionists of his ilk will soon be brought to justice. May the Gosnell case speed the day when abortion is abolished in this country for good."

For more information or interviews call: Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney 540.538.4741, Fr. Terry Gensemer 205.253.0159, Cheryl Sullenger 316.516.3034.

*CEC for Life is a ministry of the Charismatic Episcopal Church.