Yesterday’s Religious Freedom Rallies: Throw Out Those Stereotypes! Look at These Video Clips!

Ray Noble

The reports from yesterday’s religious freedom rallies are remarkable in many ways. In Orlando, I stood next to a Jewish rabbi as we joined hundreds in listening to a black minister deliver the opening invocation. A choir of young black schoolchildren led us in singing God Bless America. Hispanic women came, bringing a crucifix that tears at the heart. Strong women leaders, including US Congresswoman Sandy Adams of Orlando, sounded a clear message that was echoed by state office holders, clergy of many faiths and

Orlando’s Religious Freedom Rally

other concerned citizens who spoke. Their clarion call: Everyone’s First Amendment liberty — indeed, freedom of conscience itself — is under attack, and it is coming from action of the federal government that has no legal or historic precedent. The HHS mandate would coerce many people of conscience who employ others– even religious entities — to violate those consciences by providing insurance that must, in turn, include coverage for abortifacients, contraceptives and sterilization for their employees . The Orlando rally was one of 150 held yesterday in cities throughout the USA.

And thanks to Chris Slattery on Facebook, just look at these clips from the rally on Wall Street! The MC, Father Agostino Torres of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, introduced Dr. Martin Luther King’s courageous niece, Alveda King. Watch what the most exciting ordained

Wall Street Religious Freedom Rally

Presbyterian minister in America and a leading Orthodox Jewish Rabbi had to say! I guarantee you, this is not what you expect! Some might even say that Pastor Bill Devlin went off message. He didn’t just talk about religious liberty but spoke about his personal religious belief: surprising in fact in some ways, coming from a Presbyterian minister: “Contraception is the mother of abortion” See him here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIxwWbmywEY&feature=share

And the power of his message was matched by that of Rabbi Yehuda Levin, the founder of Congregation Mevakshei Hashem (Those Who Seek the Lord) Synagogue in Brooklyn (right near the Brooklyn Dodgers’ old Ebbetts Field in the Flatbush section!) . Besides being a charismatic speaker, Rabbi Levin also is the director of the Rabbinical Alliance of America. Hear his disturbing yet inspiring message here, introduced by Fr. Agostino:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuTxdH7sxAU&feature=youtu.be

The message everywhere: pray and act. Silence is not an option.

About Ray Noble

Deus et Patria -- A Website for Americans Who Enjoy Being Catholic ... and Vice Versa. ABOUT ME: Retired lawyer-law professor-author. Raised in NJ, now living in Florida. Widower and Father. EDUCATION ACHIEVEMENTS: Summa Cum Laude, Undergrad debating scholarship, Fulbright scholarship, Campion Scholar at Oxford University, Presidential Scholar at Boston College Law School, law review editor. DIVERSE PROFESSIONAL LIFE: Corporate lawyer, state (NJ) Deputy Atty General for Civil Rights, Law school associate professor (St. John's University), legal writer, author of guide for women at the request of the New Jersey League of Women Voters, state judiciary's chief of long range planning, state bar association's chief counsel, USIA law reform rep in Gaza and the West Bank, co-founder and overseer of 9/11 Mass Disaster relief program for World Trade Center victims. In 2001, after 33 years of marriage and 8 children (6 living daughters), Alice, the love of my life (my high school sweetheart), died when she was only 55 years old. I still miss her deeply and always will. But in 2002, an unexpected, new chapter began when I left the practice of law and became a Franciscan Friar of the Renewal for 3 blessed years. I served in the Hispanic apostolate and the pro-life ministry, counseling outside abortion mills in Manhattan and the Bronx. I loved the CFRs' radical commitment to poverty. I also treasured the abundant daily prayer that included Mass, the Divine Office, daily Eucharistic adoration and rosary, and both communal and private contemplative prayer. But in 2005, while I was still in temporary vows, one of my daughters was hospitalized, with long term needs. It became clear to others and to me that my 3 years as a friar.was to become a prelude to other things. Retiring to central Florida, I continue to see my daughter's needs as my first commitment. I also work to combat human trafficking. In my parish ministries and in my life as a single senior citizen, I try to continue the life I knew as a friar as much as I can. This website is a recent development. I hope you find it helpful and, at least occasionally, fun. I do.

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2 Responses to Yesterday’s Religious Freedom Rallies: Throw Out Those Stereotypes! Look at These Video Clips!

MaryLou Noble Schneider says:

March 24, 2012 at 6:55 pm

It sounds wonderful! Is it just me not seeing it or was this not covered by the media?

- Ray Noble says:
  
  March 24, 2012 at 7:58 pm
  
  I never heard a word about it in the media either. And it’s a Samuel Goldwyn production so if they were fair in their reporting, we should have heard about it.