Immediate 22.00 hrs Thursday 7th September 2006
A Public Order Act case against the National Director of a Christian prayer and lobby group is continuing - at least for now. Stephen Green appeared before Cardiff Magistrates yesterday morning to enter a plea of 'Not Guilty' to a charge of 'threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour', for handing out Gospel leaflets. The Magistrates adjourned the case for three weeks to Thursday 28th September 2006 at 11.00am for a Pre-Trial Review.
The Public Prosecutor admitted to the Magistrates that the case raised human rights issues, not the least of which was freedom of expression.
Stephen Green said today:
"It was humbling to find so many brothers waiting at the Court yesterday morning and I must thank them for coming and standing by me. Since then I have been overwhelmed by messages of support and I should like to thank members and supporters for their prayers. It is wonderful to be part of such a great loving family of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.
"What I did, standing up to the pompous Police Inspector in charge of this ridiculous 'Minorities Support Unit' seemed a small thing to do at the time, but it has struck a huge chord with Christians. They, like me, are fed up with seeing the police engaging in crude social engineering, going around trying to intimidate Christians into silence.
"Our Faith requires us to preach the Gospel. Today's gay-supporting police forces will have no more success at stopping the good news that Jesus Christ died for sinners than did the religious authorities who told the Apostles to stop preaching (Acts 5). My message to Christian preachers who are told to do this, or stop that, and threatened with arrest, is: Call the bullies' bluff. Let them arrest you. Don't accept a caution or an 'ASBO'. Let them charge you. Say nothing in reply. Then call me the minute you get out, or even from the custody suite itself, and I shall get you representation and publicise your case, God willing.
"This has all happened in the Lord's timing. He is totally in control. I have a wonderful feeling of peace and am confident that everything will turn out to His glory."
Related articles in the press:
Daily Telegraph 10/9/06
Daily Telegraph 7/9/06
Daily Mail 7/9/06
Daily Mail 6/9/06
ENDS
