Public Prayer vs. Prayer Freeze at the Mall: A Property Management's Concern

Naples, Florida: Coastland Mall Management has asked groups planning to gather at this particular mall to find an alternative location.
 
Although, One Nation Under God U.S.A. (O.N.U.G. USA), does ask its members, affiliates, friends, and other like minded people to gather, in public, on the last Saturday of each month to pray for our great nation. We typically choose public property with public access. On private property with public access, we always secure the owner's permission first.
 
"If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men" (Romans 12: 18).
 
In times past, members of O.N.U.G. USA have frequented their local malls after local meetings, Bible study, or worship services... to shop, fellowship and eat at the food court. Observers will note we typically wear our shirts and pray before meals. This has never been an issue for any of our members in any U.S. mall that we are aware of.
 
Coastland Mall Management's concerns:
 
They are private property that allows public access, and reserve the right to limit that access according to their standards. They DO NOT permit their property to be used by organizations to promote any causes.
 
Literature and blogs circulating nationally (example attached below), although well intentioned; tend to raise concerns, that a "flash mob" may instantly arise, to possibly disrupt the shopping experience of others. Also articles that have appeared in local newspapers have been interpreted by mall management as a "call to action", which is of great concern to them.
 
In speaking with the General Manager of Coastland Mall on the telephone, I was asked to help convey their concerns to local groups planning on visiting the mall this Saturday, 09 January 2010; and remind everyone of the distinctions between holding events on public or private property.
 
A few people praying over their food, in the food court or mall restaurant, occurs quite frequently and is NOT a concern.
 
A large group being led in unified prayer would be a concern to the private property owner at this particular mall.
 
Someone in a t-shirt at the mall, would NOT be interpreted "as a cause" by mall management.
 
A large group in similar shirts, promoting a cause, would be prohibited at Coastland mall.
 
Anyone "promoting" their causes or beliefs (regardless of whether management agrees or disagrees) will be asked to leave the property. In the past, those wearing a political candidate's promotional shirt, and attempting to "promote" their "cause" have been asked to leave.
 
Coastland Mall management has solicited my assistance in asking Collier County residents to find an alternative location other than their mall, for the Prayer Freeze. I ask you to respect their concerns and their property rights.
Please feel free to contact us for Public Prayer Gatherings (times and locations) in your area. There are also many businesses throughout America, that openly encourage and endorse these types of events. We would be glad to introduce you!
 
Pray, Get Involved... but please, let's do it the right way!
 
For God and My Country,
 
Bob Brown
One Nation Under God U.S.A.
www.onug.us
 
 
PRAYER/FREEZE Dramatic Prayer Event Jan 9th-across the country in shopping malls everywhere!
*The Christian/Conservative community MUST stand up and point the country back to God ...not through politics...but through PRAYER...We need your help to spread the word.

www.psalms4610bestillandknow.blogspot.com
Jan 9th's Prayer/Freeze is an awesome opportunity for the everyday "I'm gonna pull my hair out citizen" who is eager to make a difference.

People across the country will be making their way to their nearest shopping mall to pray and demonstrate their great love and distress for the nation.

At exactly 12:00 noon...we will freeze in a position of prayer/worship

The FREEZE will last a full 5 minutes (This is a long time to be frozen and will draw much attention)

Whenever possible people will be wearing American/Christian attire/Red White and Blue...Service men and women in uniform/912 t-shirts/Tea Party stuff /Beck hats...etc

We will be frozen in a creative number a ways. For example: Families in a circle holding hands, father on his knees with his son, and elderly couple praying on a bench...bowing over food at the food court, youth group raising hands in praise and worship.

Everyone can participate...not just in being frozen (which is really cool) but in praying...really praying together at the same time for God's mercy on our nation.

Find more important details like how to synchronize watches for the event and more about what a flash mob is at www.psalms4610bestillandknow.blogspot.com

The big key is getting the word out. Could you help? Spread the word to your family and friends. Many church groups are doing it together - youth groups too, and home school groups...etc. Your help is greatly appreciated.

Many thanks and God bless,
J. D.