Alabama religious leaders stand behind Roy Moore against allegations -- as it happened

'Pro-family' leaders in Alabama are standing with Judge Roy Moore as he faces growing allegations of sexual misconduct.

Leaders of various religious organizations held a press conference, announcing their support of the candidate and presenting a letter signed by "pro-family leaders and pastors from across the nation."

"We stand with Judge Roy Moore, a man of integrity who has never wavered from his valiant defense of the unborn, the Ten Commandments, and the Constitution. We are confident the voters of Alabama will not be fooled by suspiciously timed accusations without evidence and will reject the politics of personal destruction led by the Washington Post," the letter stated.

After over a dozen faith-based leaders spoke on behalf of Moore and his character as a candidate, Moore himself took to the podium.

Moore thanked supporters for their words, and addressed the mounting allegations against him, calling them "untrue" and slammed them as having "no evidence to support them."

He said in response to those calling for him to step down from the Alabama race, "I'll tell you who needs to step down, that's Mitch McConnell."

"There's been comments about me taking a stand," said Moore, adding, "I'll quit standing when they lay me on that box and put me in the ground."

Follow along for live updates below:

Moore walks out as reporters ask questions on allegations

Leaders open the floor to questions from reporters in the audience. Many ask about the mounting allegations against Moore, and Porter, frustrated said Moore will not be answering any questions about the claims.

"The Washington Post is not evidence," responds Porter to a reporter's query.

As more reporters ask questions on the allegations, Moore and his wife depart abruptly, ending the press conference.

Moore calls for McConnell to step down

Moore says he wants to see unity in the country and calls the anger from both Republicans and Democrats over his allegations a success in unifying the parties.

He said in response to those calling for him to step down from the Alabama race, "I'll tell you who needs to step down, that's Mitch McConnell."

"There's been comments about me taking a stand," said Moore, adding, "I'll quit standing when they lay me on that box and put me in the ground."

Moore calls sexual assault allegations "untrue"

After over a dozen speakers, Judge Roy Moore takes the podium to deliver remarks and thanks his supporters for their words.

He calls the allegations against him untrue and slams them as having "no evidence to support them."

Johnston: "Alabamians smell a rat"

Elizabeth Johnston, a self-acclaimed "mommy activist" says that "Republican Rhino's like Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan have betrayed the party's principles."

She says so many "Republican lap dogs" have been quick to drop their support of Moore and stands in support of Moore in the face of the allegations.

"Sexual assault is indefensible, I'm an advocate for victims of sexual abuse, if I thought for a second these allegations were true, I'd be the first person to call for Judge Roy Moore to step down."

Moore Pastor says he stands by candidate's character

Pastor Stephen Broden, Moore's own pastor says he has never been given any reason to doubt his character.

"Friends I know the man and he is a man of character," said Broden, adding of the assault allegations, "We're praying for everyone involved in the entire situation."

Schlafly: "Roy Moore is not going to quit"

Andy Schlafly says Moore will "stand up against the swamp" and establishment politics, saying he will "win by a landslide" in the Alabama Senate race.

Leader: Moore has "never surrendered the country's core allegiance"

Dr. Alan Keyes of Renew America says he stands up for Moore because "we are creatures of god" and have a "duty to do what is right."

Porter: AL votes are no longer safe if this stands

Porter asks supporters, "is this what we want to put our trust in?" questioning the role of the media covering the Moore campaign.

Leader says Moore takes a stand for "righteousness"

Faith2Action President Janet Porter says Thursday's event was not a sanctioned campaign event but asked Moore to come and stand with those who support him.

Porter says she's been a close friend to the Moore family and are grateful he's taken a stand for "righteousness and the Ten Commandments."

Porter calls the accusations against Moore an "assassination led by the media"

"Why does the enemies of faith and liberty hate this man so much?", she asks, saying Moore "can not be bought or bullied" by the "establishment" or the "lynch mob media."

Leaders embrace #StandWithRoyMoore

Introducing Moore as the "valiant hero of the day" Moore arrives to the press conference with his wife. A poster showing a photo of two tablets with the Ten Commandments is shown on a podium with the hashtag #StandWithRoyMoore

The press conference opens in prayer.

Leaders prepare for Moore press conference

Organizers of the Thursday event say they have secured over 200 signatures of support in their letter defending Judge Roy Moore against sexual assault allegations since Wednesday evening.