On Friday, August 21, in Des Moines, Iowa, there will a huge rally to draw attention to the increasing persecution of religious Americans in business and the public square. Many predict that religious liberty could be the number one issue for Iowa caucus goers, many of whom are evangelicals. Speakers include Texas Senator and Republican Presidential candidate Ted Cruz, who will interview Americans who have been persecuted by government for exercising their First Amendment rights.  It may be the first event of its kind to bring together this many victims of religious discrimination together on one stage, eight so far of the thousands nationwide, and sadly that number may very well continue to grow.

Senator Cruz will interview Dick and Betty Odgaard from Grimes, Iowa, who lost their business for refusing to host a same-sex marriage ceremony in their chapel. He’ll also talk to Senior Master Sergeant Phillip Monk, a 20-year Air Force veteran who was discharged for simply answering honestly his commander’s questions regarding his beliefs about the definition of marriage. Next, he’ll interview Barronelle Stutzman, the florist who was sued for declining to provide flowers for a same-sex marriage ceremony. Kelvin Cochran, a former Fire Chief fired for mentioning God’s view of marriage as expressed in the Bible will be interviewed as will Blaine Adamson, a printer who was sued for not printing T-shirts for a “gay pride” parade. Finally, Cruz will interview Melissa and Aaron Kline, the Oregon bakers who lost their bakery and were fined $135,000 because they would not provide a cake for a same-sex marriage ceremony.

The Grammy Award winning Christian band, Newsboys, and Iowa’s own Bontrager Family Singers will provide music. Kelly Shackelford, President of Liberty Institute, a legal organization that assists persons whose religious freedom has come under attack, will assist with the event. Pastors, staff and religious leaders from all around the country are organizing “watch parties” to view the event streaming live on line, which will be viewable here.

With all eyes on Iowa right now, this could be a real chance to spread the word everywhere on how serious the persecution of our religious liberties has become. Shackelford said, “The record number of cases and attacks on religious freedom is a wake up call. This is the freedom upon which our country was founded, and those founders knew that, if you lose religious freedom, you will lose all of your freedoms.” 

The Rally for Religious Liberty will be held at the Iowa Events Center Grand Ballroom at 730 3^rd Street in Des Moines, Iowa on August 21.  Door open at 5:30 p.m.  This event is FREE and is open to the press and to the public, but tickets are required.  To RSVP and obtain your tickets go to www.tedcruz.org/rsvp/rally.