Houston area pastors say that despite the mayor withdrawing subpoenas for their sermons the fight for religious freedom in the city is not over.

“Mayor Parker claims she withdrew the subpoenas not because she was wrong to issue them in the first place, but because they were not ‘serving Houston,’” noted the American Family Association.  “In reality, what they were not serving is the foundation of our nation: religious liberty and the right of conscience.”

The subpoenas were issued in connection with a lawsuit over the city refusing to accept a petition from voters to put a law on the ballot for recall.  The city manager rejected the ballot after city workers had initially approved it.

The Coalition of African American Pastors in Houston said that religious freedom will be a new civil rights movement.

“We have a right to speak what we feel to be true in the public square and it’s wrong for them to try to silence us. Its unheard of,” Rev. Bill Owens told the Christian Post.  “We are happy to see that Mayor Parker has been made aware of the injustice being perpetrated against freedom of religion and withdrawn the subpoenas. Today, we have seen proof that when the people rise up against unjust government retaliation, great things can be accomplished. The combined voices of thousands of ordinary citizens around the country have shown that activism works.”

“Free expression of faith and the ability to speak on such matters without fear of government action is the essence of our democracy. Preserving these liberties will be the basis of a new civil rights movement as CAAP, the churches, and people everywhere come together to defend our values and our right to voice them.”

Houston Mayor Parker admits she it is important to her to keep voters from repealing the law.