SMYNews: SendMeYourNews: Defense of Marriage Summit to Draw Diverse Crowd in Orlando, fight for traditional marriage

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FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:

A. Larry Ross Communications
Kristin Cole                                972.267.1111
                                  kristin@alarryross.com
Jill Waggoner                            615.330.6821
                                jillwaggoner@gmail.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Defense of Marriage Summit to Draw Diverse Crowd in Orlando Bishop Harry Jackson, political & community leaders fight for traditional marriage

ORLANDO, Fla., August 17, 2012 – The High Impact Leadership Coalition, led by Bishop Harry Jackson, Senior Pastor of Hope Christian Church in the Washington, D.C., will launch a national initiative focused on the preservation of traditional marriage, as well as other pro-family issues, with the Defense of Marriage Summit in Orlando next week. Local elected officials and community leaders have also committed to participate in the event to discuss state-specific social issues.

"This election presents unprecedented challenges to the most important social institution – marriage," said Bishop Jackson.

Known for his years of pro-family work on Capitol Hill, Bishop Jackson has extended an invitation to the entire Orlando community to attend the Aug. 22 Summit, emphasizing the fight for marriage brings together a multi-ethnic and broad coalition of evangelical denominations. The Orlando Summit is the first of seven events across the nation as part of the Traditional Marriage tour.

"President Obama has made it clear through numerous actions and statements that he believes the definition of marriage is 'evolving,'" said Bishop Jackson. "Yet, for those of us who stand on the unchanging truth of God's Word, there is only one definition—one man and one woman. The only successful future for America must include God's definition of marriage. For those of us of faith, we must not sit silently by as the President refuses to enforce the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)."

The Defense of Marriage Summit will include a day of events, beginning with a private strategy session for Florida pastors, community leaders and elected officials. A pre-event rally will begin at 5 p.m. featuring Christian entertainer Minister Judy Jacobs, followed by the main portion of the program at 6 p.m. at the Church on the Living on the Edge in Longwood, Fla.

Other speakers for the 6 p.m. event include:

Dr. Alveda King, American Christian minister, pro-life activist and author;
General Jerry Boykin, original member of the U.S. Army's Delta Force, author and ordained minister;
Mat Staver, chairman of Liberty Counsel and dean of Liberty University School of Law;
U.S. Rep. Sandy Adams, Florida's 24th congressional district; and
James Robison, founder and president of LIFE Outreach International and the host of "LIFE Today."

The Church on the Living Edge is located at 555 Markham Woods Rd. Longwood, Fla., 32779. The event is free of charge, but pre-registration is required at www.thetruthinblackandwhite.com.

The High Impact Leadership Coalition exists to protect the moral compass of America and be an agent of healing to our nation through education and empowerment. The Coalition hosts I.M.P.A.C.T Rallies in major cities throughout the nation with the goal of providing practical strategies for everyday to affect change in their families, communities, states, and ultimately across America. HILC's core values focus on families, wealth creation, education and healthcare.

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Note to Editors: To arrange an interview with Bishop Harry Jackson or other event speakers, please contact Jill Waggoner at 615.330.6821or via e-mail at jillwwaggoner@gmail.com.

Press Materials

Bishop Harry Jackson Biography:

http://images.magnetmail.net/images/clients/LarryRoss/attach/Bishop_Jackson_bio.doc

Orlando Defense of Marriage Summit Background:
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http://images.magnetmail.net/images/clients/LarryRoss/attach/Orlando_Defense_of_Marriage_Summit_Backgrounder.doc

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