Pastor Peebles emphasised that "the battle for the institution of Marriage is a spiritual battle and not just political!"
Acknowledging that some individual churches and denominations may be in favour of proposed changes for same-sex marriage, speakers and supporters alike emphasised that they believe the biblical definition of marriage is that of man and woman and now is the time to defend that belief.
Reverend Nile issued a statement on Marriage and Prayer, saying "Our Australian society faces the greatest challenge to our Christian heritage, culture and value with the imminent vote in our Federal Parliament on the Green Party's same-sex homosexual 'marriage' Bill.
"It is vital that every concerned Australian expresses their opposition to the Green's Party Bill and supports our traditional Australian Marriage as stated in the Federal Marriage Act: 'marriage means the union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life'."
Messages of support were read from the Most Rev. Dr Peter Jensen, Anglican Archbishop of Sydney; Cardinal George Pell, Catholic Church; Wayne Richards, General Manager of the Presbyterian Church in New South Wales and the Rev Dr Keith Garner, Superintendent, Wesley Mission.
His Grace Bishop Anba Daniel, Bishop and Abbott of St Shenouda's Coptic Orthodox Monastery in Putty (near Singleton), who very rarely ventures out of the monastery, asked if he could be present and deliver a statement. His presentation included many Biblical passages to enforce the traditional view of Marriage.
Warwick Marsh shared something of the National Day of Prayer and Fasting, held the previous Sunday (Feb 19) in Canberra. He then challenged those present to pray for this situation and the leadership of the nation.
Brian Pickering, Australian Prayer Network, was noticed in the audience and was invited to pray for marriage and the government.
Rev Dr Ross Clifford, President of the NSW Council of Churches and a Vice President of the Baptist World Alliance, read the official statement issued by the NSW Council of Churches.
In his international position, he spoke of churches in other countries watching this ongoing situation with great interest as they realise it could affect their countries too.
The Hon Paul Green MLC announced this was his 16th Wedding Anniversary and was joined by his wife, Michelle, in praying for the role of marriage.
Rev Andrew Green CDP Chaplain presented a statement on Marriage and Prayer.
Pastor Peebles presented two declarations and the gathering endorsed her statements, declaring the Government was in the hands of Jesus Christ and He was in control of all decisions.
The Rev Fred Nile closed the meeting with the challenge of a "Call to Action."
He suggested the people may wish to:
- Meet your local Federal MP;
- Write to local newspapers;
- Phone talkback radio programs;
- Support local prayer rallies and marches.