Group troubled by reports that Ms. Pelosi is making attendance to the "Open House for the People's House" limited to invitation only.

Contact: Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director, Christian Defense Coalition, 202-547-1735, 540-538-4741 cell

WASHINGTON, Jan. 4 /Christian Newswire/ -- Faith and pro-life leaders plan to attend the "Open House for the People's House" sponsored by Speaker Pelosi at the Cannon House Office building on Friday, January 5th.

Leaders will share their views with Speaker Pelosi on issues ranging from abortion, religious expression in the public square, social justice and strengthening America's families.

The group is troubled by reports that Ms. Pelosi is making attendance to the "Open House for the People's House" limited to invitation only.

If that is true, faith leaders call that a cynical and cruel attempt by Speaker Pelosi to appear tolerate, pluralistic and open to an honest exchange of ideas from all points of view.

The group will have a news conference on Friday, January 5th at 9:00 A.M. in front of the Cannon Office Building to discuss their thoughts.  (The location will be at the Independence and 1st Street SE side.)  They will then attempt to enter the "Open House."

Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, states, "Our hope is that we will be able to share our concerns with Speaker Pelosi at 'The Open House.'  We especially want to encourage Speaker Pelosi to work toward ending violence against women and children through abortion.  We pray that the Speaker is sponsoring a 'true' open house that will include a broad range of views and opinions and will welcome all Americans.

"If Speaker Pelosi limits attendance to the 'Open House' by invitation only, this is just another gimmick and cruel sham on the part of crass politicians who want to appear to be creating a new atmosphere of openness and dialogue.  By limiting access to the 'People's House' to only a certain class of people, Speaker Pelosi is not ushering in a new and historic day.  Rather, she is returning America back to a tragic time when only a certain 'class' of people were allowed access to public buildings and institutions."

For more information or interviews call:

Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney at 202.547.1735; Cell: 540.538.4741