Contact: Rev. Patrick Mahoney, Christian Defense Coalition, 540-538-4741

WASHINGTON, Aug. 30, 2014 /Christian Newswire/ -- A candlelight and prayer vigil in support of the women of Iraq will be held tonight, August 30, at 8:00 P.M. on Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House across from Lafayette Park.

The group will be praying for the women of Iraq who are facing unspeakable acts of violence and persecution by the terrorist organization, Islamic State.

They will also challenge the Obama Administration to speak out with passion against this "War on Women" and use every resource available to end this horrific violence against Iraqi women.

Katie Mahoney, who was recently arrested in front of the White House for peacefully standing for the women and of Iraq and spokesperson for the Christian Defense Coalition states,

"We cannot be silent while thousands of our sisters in Iraq and being tortured, raped, brutalized, beheaded and mutilated by the terrorist group Islamic State. We must be a constant witness to the Obama Administration and the world that this violence against women must come to an end.

"We also want to let all the women who are suffering in Iraq to know that the faith community in America is standing with them in our prayers, thoughts and through our actions."

Rev. Patrick Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, comments,

"We can never be indifferent as we see the women of Iraq enduring these unspeakable horrors. We must always take sides for human rights and justice and be a voice for those who have no voice. We must realize their struggle is our struggle and their pain is our pain.

"We cannot be neutral on this war against women and we must pray, act and speak with passion and courage."

Brice Griffin, Founder of the Charlotte Center for Women, adds,

"The atrocities being committed against women in Iraq are unimaginable. People of good will around the world need to stand together and demand an end to their dehumanization. The time for action is now."

Brandi Swindell, Founder and CEO of Stanton Healthcare, states,

"We encourage President Obama and his Administration along with the members of Congress, to use every resource that the United States of America has available to stand against the terrorists of the Islamic State and their brutal assault on women and human dignity. We also call upon the United Nations and all governments of the world to stand in solidarity with the women of Iraq and work to end this violence."

For more information or interviews call: Rev. Patrick Mahoney at 540.538.4741