Christians Urged to Rally Behind Student Suing Teacher
Days after hundreds of students rallied in support of a California history teacher accused of anti-Christian comments, a pastor who led a counter prayer vigil that day called on Christians worldwide to join in the fight against Christian bigotry.
Over 200 protesters, including students, alumni, and parents, had gathered Wednesday in front of Capistrano Valley High School to defend James Corbett, an AP European history teacher charged with making "derogatory remarks" in class against Christians and traditional viewpoints of conservative Christians.
Pastor Wiley Drake of the First Southern Baptist Church of Buena Park was among the smaller group of protestors who showed up and voiced their support for sophomore Chad Farnan, the student behind the suit.
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Drake, who has served as the second vice president of the Southern Baptist Convention, is urging "Christian prayer warriors from around the world" to support the Farnan family by leaving messages of encouragement on a special prayer line every morning, contacting members of the school district's board, and sending emails of prayer and support to members of the family.
"The small prayer vigil that was on location at Capistrano Valley High School, Mission Viejo will be growing," pledged Drake, who also plans to give daily coverage on the issue on his online radio show The Wiley Drake Show.
In the suit, Farnan and his parents charged Corbett with violating the Establisment Clause through such comments as, "When you put your Jesus glasses on, you can't see the truth."
They alleged that as a government employee, Corbett cannot show promote or show hostility toward one religion and are asking for his removal from teaching.
Supporters of the long-time teacher, however, claim that his provocative comments regarding religion are relevant to the class and encourage critical thinking.
Corbett has declined repeated requests for comments.
The Capistrano Unified School District released a statement last week saying it was reviewing the situation.
According to Wiley, a rally in support of Chad is being planned for a board of trustees meeting, which is open to the public, on Jan. 14, 2008.
"Remember these U.S. Government workers are paid by you and you have every right to demand they take action," he said.
"We as Christian students and parents have been told to go to the back of the bus for the last time."
On the Web: Further information at The Wiley Drake Show .
