Contact: Rev. Patrick Mahoney, 540-538-4741; Rev. Rob Schenck, 703-447-7686

WASHINGTON, Nov. 12, 2015 /Christian Newswire/ --  National news stories broke today about Pastor Saeed's wife, Naghmeh, stepping back from her public advocacy for him because of difficulties facing their marriage.

Rev. Patrick Mahoney and Rev. Rob Schenck will hold a news conference on Friday, November 13, at 3:00 P.M.

It will be at 109 2nd St. NE Washington, D.C. which is located right behind the United States Supreme Court.

Rev. Patrick Mahoney has been a strong advocate for Pastor Saeed for the past 3 years risking arrests in front of the White House, leading prayer vigils across the nation, traveling to Turkey to meet with Iranian officials to secure his release and being a voice for the persecuted church. Recent revelations about the marital challenges the Abendini's are facing doesn't change that.

Here is a link to a national news story about Rev. Mahoney's advocacy for the persecuted church and Pastor Saeed: www.foxnews.com/opinion/2015/05/01/it-time-for-all-us-to-stand-in-solidarity-with-persecuted-christians.html 

Rev. Schenck has also been a powerful witness for Pastor Saeed and the persecuted church around the world.

Rev. Patrick Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, based in Washington, D.C., states:

"Our thoughts and prayers are extended to the Abedini family during this difficult time within their marriage and life.  It is hard to imagine any family living under these extraordinary and difficult times. In light of that, it is critical that we respect the privacy of both Naghmeh and Saeed.

"However, regardless of any struggles that Pastor Saeed may be experiencing it doesn't change the fact that the faith community needs to be a powerful and passionate voice calling for his immediate release and standing with our persecuted brothers and sisters.  God calls us to stand on principle and justice not personalities."

The Rev. Dr. Rob Schenck, President and lead missionary of Faith and Action in Washington, D.C., adds;

"It's hard to imagine the pressures that souls like Nagmeh and Saeed Abedini endure. It's also important to remember they are not super heroes, just regular people facing the same problems we all do, only under extreme circumstances. Their crisis is a deeply personal one that demands the most careful and prayerful pastoral attention. I hope everyone who cares about the Abedini family will refrain from criticism and give them the love, prayers, and privacy they need during this very difficult time."

For more information or interviews call:

Rev. Patrick Mahoney   540.538.4741
Rev. Rob Schenck  703.447.7686