Six arrested at White House today for praying on sidewalk

Updated: Feb. 16, 2012 at 4:48 pm EST.

February 16, 2012 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Six pro-life activists, including one Catholic priest, were arrested this morning in front of the White House while holding a peaceful prayer vigil in protest against the Obama administration's birth control mandate. They were released shortly thereafter, after paying a $100 fine.

Fr. Denis Wilde, the Associate Director of Priests for Life, told LifeSiteNews that by their arrests the protesters hoped to send a "wake-up call" to President Obama that opposition to his mandate is not going away.

Rev. Patrick Mahoney being arrested this morning

The six were arrested on a charge of "disobeying a lawful order." The priest explained that while it is legal to hold protests in front of the White House, protesters are not allowed to remain stationary, including if they kneel down and pray.

"Occupy Wall Street protesters have been occupying federal property for months, but when we kneel in prayer, the police are called in and we are arrested," Father Wilde said. "We knew that was the risk when we gathered today, and we will do it again regardless of the risk. What people of faith - of every faith - need to do now is stand with us."

In addition to Fr. Wilde those arrested were Jeff White and his teenage daughters Joanna and Jayne White of Survivors, Rev. Pat Mahoney of the Christian Defense Coalition, and a local pro-lifer named John Randy Corish.

Fr. Frank Pavone, the head of Priests for Life, told LifeSiteNews.com: "The men arrested today, including our Associate Director, reveal the fact that the response to the unjust Obama mandate cannot be limited to the Courts, the Congress, and the press. It must bring us to the streets of America."

"Over the years, the other side in this battle has tried to make the public afraid of us by painting us as arrogant, hateful, and violent. In reality, the other side should be afraid precisely because we are humble, peaceful, and prayerful, because therein lies the force that uproots injustice from society."