Christian Leaders Declaring 'Mayday for Marriage'

By Katherine T. Phan

Organizers of next month’s “Mayday for Marriage” rally are aiming to gather over a million couples to stand up for traditional marriage in Washington D.C.’s national mall.

The first “Mayday for Marriage” rally drew 20,000 people to Seattle, alerting them on the first day of May that marriage is under attack. The Oct. 15 rally comes at the crucial time of the 2004 elections.

“May Day is a distress signal to send out for help in aviation and in boating and on the water,” explained Dr.Ken Hutcherson, organizer of the Seattle rally, during Dr. James Dobson’s daily radio broadcast on Sept 7.

“We just felt that marriage is under attack. We feel like we have an emergency going on,” continued Hutcherson, former Seattle Seahawk linebacker and now pastor of Antioch Bible Church in Seattle. “The Church is calling a mayday for every available member to come and put a stop on this emergency. The only way we can do it is we need to get together and stand together and get our church members to vote.”

“We will be there October 15,” he said, “to show our politicians ‘don’t mess with God’s people’. We have awakened. We didn’t start this fight but we will finish it.”

Speakers of the event will include prominent Christian leaders Dobson of Focus on the Family, Richard Land of the Southern Baptist Convention; Chuck Colson of Prison Fellowship Ministries; and Tony Perkins of Family Research Council, among others.

Although the rally’s budget was initially estimated at $3-4 million, reported Hutcherson, support from various organizations and people have brought the number down to $2 million.

To pay the rally, the organizers plan to sell red T-shirts, which will give the effect that “the blood of Jesus Christ is covering [the] mall,” according to Hutcherson.

Before concluding the radio broadcast, Hutcherson sent a fair warning to lawmakers.

“We are Christians and we vote. We are dangerous,” he said.

“In November, if you don’t vote correctly, we are going to change your view from your office window.”

The Mayday for Marriage rally will be held from 12 noon to 3 p.m. A day of prayer and fasting in preparation for the rally will be observed on Sept. 15.

Oct .15 Mayday for Marriage Speakers:

Dr. James Dobson - Focus on the Family

Tony Perkins - Family Research Council

Alan Chambers - Exodus International

Ambassador Alan Keyes

Rabbi Daniel Lapin - Towards Tradition

Richard Land - Southern Baptist Convention

Samuel Rodriguez - National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference

Anne Graham Lotz - Angel Ministries (Just give me Jesus)

Dennis Rainey - FamilyLife

Dr. Ken Hutcherson - Antioch Bible Church

Chuck Colson - Prison Fellowship

Dr. Stephen Newby - Worship Leader

For more information on the Mayday for Marriage rally, visit www.maydayformarriage.com.

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo