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

WASHINGTON, Feb. 14 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Christian Defense Coalition is leading an effort to hold a week long prayer vigil in Baghdad.

The purpose of the prayer vigil would be to seek God for His divine intervention in bringing healing and peace to the Republic of Iraq.

The groups have been having discussions with Iraqi officials in Washington, D.C. and recently sent a letter to Prime Minister al-Maliki seeking permission to hold the prayer meetings in Baghdad.

While the delegation is in Baghdad, they would be coordinating a week of prayer and fasting with thousands of churches in America for the future of Iraq.

Two years ago the Christian Defense Coalition and Faith and Action led a prayer vigil at the Iraqi Embassy for their national elections.

Excerpts from the letter:

"Although there has been much debate, discussion and disagreement in America regarding events in Iraq there is one thing that we are united on.  That is , justice and mercy will always triumph over terror and fear and the violence and the bloodshed in Iraq must come to an end.  This historic prayer initiative offers both our countries the opportunity to come together in one voice before God and leave our political differences at the water's edge."

"As both of our countries have lost sons and daughters to the horror of war and violence, we can be assured that God is gracious and merciful and brings comfort to those who mourn."   

[See complete text of letter to Prime Minister al-Maliki]

Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, comments, "Now is the time for the Christian community to lay aside our political differences concerning the war in Iraq and begin to humble ourselves before God and look to Him for his sovereign grace, blessing and wisdom.  As this historic prayer delegation goes to Baghdad,  it would give our nation a chance to come together in one voice and heart and seek God's intervention in helping end the bloodshed in Iraq.  Regardless of how one has viewed the war, we can all agree that we are in desperate need of God's mercy and grace.  It is important that the people of Iraq know that the Christian community of America stands with them during these challenging and difficult times."

For more information or interviews call:

Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney   202.547.1735    Cell: 540.538.4741