Contact: Christian Defense Coalition, 202-547-1735, 540-538-4741 cell

WASHINGTON, April 23 /Christian Newswire/ -- The group will have a news conference, prayer vigil and peaceful civil disobedience on Thursday, April 24, at 11:30 A.M., on Pennsylvania Ave. in front of the White House.
 
To stand in solidarity with religious and political dissidents who have been jailed and persecuted in China for their beliefs, Rev. Patrick Mahoney and his family will risk arrest by kneeling in prayer on the White House public sidewalk.
 
The Christian Defense Coalition says a boycott by President Bush would send a powerful message to the Chinese government regarding their crushing of human rights and religious liberty.
 
The Coalition says it would be tragic for President Bush to join in the opening celebrations of the Summer Olympics while thousands of innocent Chinese are being brutalized and persecuted for their faith and political views and Tibet and her people continue to be oppressed.
 
Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, states, "It is important for the free nations of the world to stand against the tyranny and brutality of the Chinese government against their own people.  Millions of Christians, and those with other religious traditions, are routinely oppressed and even tortured by the leaders of China. 
 
"China promotes the barbaric practice of forced abortion and sterilization.  And of course, the world has been shocked by the recent oppression of the Tibetan people.
 
"The most powerful message that could be sent by the United States would be for President Bush to boycott the opening ceremonies of the Summer Olympic Games.  By boycotting the opening ceremonies, Mr. Bush would affirm to the world the United States strongly supports human rights and this act will remind the Chinese government that they cannot crush and brutalize their own people and expect the world's support.
 
"Mr.  Bush has a unique and historic opportunity during these Olympic Games to make a powerful global statement for human rights.
 
"My family and I are willing to spend time in jail to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters who are in Chinese prisons because of their faith.  It is important for the Christian community in America to speak out with loud prophetic voice on this issue."
 
Kaitlin Clare, Program Director for the Christian Defense Coalition, adds, "We ask that President Bush boycott the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Summer Olympics.  This is a small sacrifice in comparison to the brutality of the Chinese government toward the Tibetans, its own people and the persecuted Christians living in China.  It is necessary to make a statement showing the United States stands in solidarity with the oppressed and that we oppose the tyranny of the Chinese government towards their own people."
 
For more information or interviews call:
 
Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney at 540.538.4741
 
Kaitlin Clare at 540.538.4822