BUILDING’S BANNER VISIBLE FROM INAUGURATION BEARS SPECIAL MESSAGE ABOUT PRESIDENT

During a news conference involving clergy leaders in Washington on Thursday, January 17, a two-story high banner in bright yellow with two-foot tall black letters was unfurled within eyesight of the United States Capitol, the location of Monday’s inaugural ceremony. The banner reads, “We don’t always agree with the President, but we always pray for him. (1 Tim 2:1-6)” The citation refers to the words St. Paul wrote to his protege, the young pastor, Timothy:

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”

Rev. Rob Schenck introduces the new Inaugural Banner unfurled at the Faith and Action Ministry Center

President and lead missionary for Faith and Action, the Reverend Dr. Rob Schenck said, “We are trying to send an important message to the President and to his supporters, that while we differ with him strongly on major issues, we still pledge to pray for him, for his family, and for his administration. I guess you could call us congenial dissenters. It’s important to pray for public figures we oppose, not only because scripture commands it, but because it keeps our hearts from becoming bitter, fearful, or resentful. It keeps us in the right disposition.”

Rev. Schenck recently went to the formal entry to the official inaugural platform on the West Terrace of the US Capitol to “anoint” the archway President Obama will walk through before swearing his oath of office. While there, Schenck also said prayers for the President, his family members, and members of his administration.

The inaugural banner will remain on display from January 17 through January 27.