Contact: Peggy Birchfield, Faith and Action, 202-546-8329, ext 103

MEDIA ADVISORY, May 20 /Christian Newswire/ -- Following news of Massachusetts senator Edward Kennedy's diagnosis with a brain tumor, conservative evangelical minister Reverend Rob Schenck (pronounced SHANK), who was once angrily shoved by the Senator, today urged all Christians to pray for the man with whom he has had many disagreements.

Schenck, who heads a ministry to top government officials in Washington, has met Kennedy several times. During one encounter Schenck gently admonished Kennedy to return to the deep Christian faith of his mother. Kennedy responded by shoving Schenck aside with a hand to his chest.

"I've always extended every courtesy and all due respect to Senator Kennedy," said Schenck. "But we have had a few unpleasant moments over the years including one when he physically shoved me. Still, God loves Ted Kennedy and it's my obligation as a Christian to do the same. My thoughts and prayers are with the Senator and the entire Kennedy family. I urge all Christians to pray for him."