Dozens of Brevard clergy, elected officials, residents pray for unity in nation, county
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As pro-life and pro-choice activists clash nationwide over the Supreme Court’s draft abortion opinion leak, several dozen members of Brevard’s clergy along with elected officials joined together to reflect and pray for the country’s unity.
“We really need (prayer). We’re really living in sad times or bizarre times, really,” U.S. Rep. Bill Posey told the audience, alluding to a list of social issues that have recently grabbed headlines, from Critical Race Theory to student loan forgiveness and discussions of gender identity.
“I’m reminded frequently that this is not a political battle, this is a spiritual battle for the soul of our nation," Posey said, speaking briefly before the group of about 300 people at the Grand Manor in Melbourne.
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The 90-minute Space Coast Prayer Breakfast also came the same week as a coalition of vocal members of Brevard's clergy, the Brevard Justice Ministry, are pressuring the Brevard County Commission to do more to address issues such as housing insecurity.
The 10th annual event, which included a cross-section of ministries that dealt with everything from affordable housing, veterans issues, and pregnancy assistance was Thursday during the National Day of Prayer.
For many, the prayer event came at a time of growing concern as issues such as the Supreme Court's draft decision on the issue of abortion spurs national protests.
Maureen Fields, the director of Essential Pregnancy Center, a Palm Bay-based ministry funded by Brevard County congregations, said the pending court decision is already having an impact. The clinic, which also provides ultrasound and pregnancy testing, has been in operation for nearly a year.
"The phones rang off the hook with many wanting abortions at the last minute because (of the opinion)... Our mission is to talk with them about adoption or parenting. We tell them the truth that they are really carrying babies," Fields said, adding that the prayer event provided an opportunity to network and pray.
In addition to the breakfast, Brevard residents across the county were expected to gather at flag poles and in front of government buildings during the day to offer up prayers.
President Biden, who signed a proclamation of national prayer, pointed out that in times of crisis, Americans have turned to prayer as a guide.
“Today is also a moment of reflection when we are called to address some of the greatest challenges humanity has ever faced — saving our planet from the existential threat of climate change; responding to attacks on democracy at home and abroad; and living up to our Nation’s promise of liberty, justice, and equality for all,” he wrote.
The National Day of Prayer began formally with President Harry S. Truman in 1952. Over the years, the day has allowed various religious groups to come together in prayer and to set a tone of thanksgiving for communities nationwide.
The keynote speaker for the Brevard event was Dr. Kerry Fink, the executive director of the not-for-profit Helping Seniors of Brevard. Kerry also works in media marketing and is a member of Brevard County’s Commission on Aging.
There was also praise music and a litany of prayers for Brevard's elected officials.
"This is great," said Dwight Bell, founder of Wings of Grace Ministries,Inc, a Melbourne-based outreach program that teaches youth to fly aircraft while receiving life coaching.
"This brings the community together and glorifies God," said Bell, one of the sponsors of the prayer breakfast.
Posey said that he continues to pray for the nation, especially as attention continues to turn to the Supreme Court.
"We have to have faith that the system will work," Posey said.
"And prayer is necessary."
J.D. Gallop is a Criminal Justice/Breaking News Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Gallop at 321-917-4641 or jgallop@floridatoday.com. Twitter: @JDGallop.
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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: National Day of Prayer: Faith leaders gather in Brevard for reflection
