Pages: 1

Christian arrested for handing out leaflets at homosexual rally. Please pray

(Click here to view the original thread with full colors/images)

Posted by: Shawn

Christian arrested for handing out leaflets at homosexual rally. Please pray
A police force was caught up in a freedom of speech row after its officers arrested an anti-gay campaigner for handing out leaflets at a homosexual rally.

South Wales police admitted evangelical Christian Stephen Green was then charged purely because his pamphlets contained anti-gay quotations from the Bible.

Mr Green faces a court appearance today charged with using 'threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour' after his attempt to distribute the leaflets at the weekend 'Mardi Gras' event in Cardiff.

A spokesman for the police said the campaigner had not behaved in a violent or aggressive manner, but that officers arrested him because 'the leaflet contained Biblical quotes about homosexuality'.

The arrest of Mr Green by the South Wales Minorities Support Unit provoked a furious row.
Church of England evangelicals said it represented 'an onslaught on freedom of speech and freedom of religious expression' and Tory MPs called it 'disturbing'.

The decision to prosecute Mr Green is the latest in a series of police initiatives aimed against those who have expressed public disapproval of homosexual behaviour.

In recent months incidents have included a Metropolitan Police warning to author Lynette Burrows that she was responsible for a 'homophobic incident' after she suggesting on a BBC Radio Five Live programme that gays did not make ideal adoptive parents.

Another warning about future behaviour was delivered by Lancashire police who visited the home of a Christian couple after they complained about their local council's gay rights policies.

The Met Police in London also investigated former Muslim Council of Britain leader Sir Iqbal Sacranie after he gave an interview saying homosexuality was harmful. However, no prosecution followed in that case.

The action against Mr Green came after he and a fellow member of his evangelical group, Christian Voice, tried to distribute leaflets at the gay Mardi Gras event in Cardiff.

Several thousand people attended the event, which included a gay rugby tournament and a 'top gayer motor show', and which was addressed on the importance of tolerance by Liberal Democrat council chief Rodney Berman.

The anti-gay campaigners were first asked by police to leave the site of the show following 'complaints from the public', and complied with the request. However, they were approached again by police when they began handing out leaflets at the entrance to the park where the Mardi Gras was staged.

Mr Green refused to stop distributing leaflets and was arrested, and then questioned for four hours at a police station. He was charged after refusing a caution.

The leaflets were headed Same-Sex Love - Same-Sex Sex: What does the Bible Say?, and included a series of quotations from the 1611 King James Bible, a text usually regarded as one of the foundation stones of the English language.

Aimed at demonstrating Biblical disapproval of homosexual sex, they included from the Old Testament Leviticus 18.22, 'Thou shalt not lie with mankind as with womankind: it is abomination'.

The leaflets also quoted Romans 1:25-27 from the New Testament, to the effect that homosexuals are given to 'vile affections'.

The handbills urged homosexuals to 'turn from your sins and you will be saved'.

The charge against Mr Green is that he used 'threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour within the hearing or sight of a person likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress thereby', contrary to the Public Order Act 1986.

Mr Green's Christian Voice group is regarded by other evangelicals as particularly militant and it has been heavily involved in demonstrations against theatre performances of Jerry Springer the Opera. However, Mr Green has no record of violence or intimidation.

He said yesterday: 'I am astonished that South Wales Police have a special unit dedicated to silencing those who disagree with homosexuality.'

He said that the force boasts of working closely with gay groups and added: 'Maybe they work a bit too closely when an evangelist can be victimised simply because he is giving out leaflets quoting verses from the same Bible police officers swear on in court.'
There was strong support for Mr Green from other Christian groups yesterday.

The Reverend Rod Thomas, a Plymouth vicar and spokesman for the influential Reform organisation that represents 500 Church of England clergy, said: 'The methods of Christian Voice do not always commend themselves to other Christians.

'But if there was nothing involved here other than the content of the leaflets, the arrest represents an onslaught on freedom of speech and on freedom of religious expression.

'Why gay rights are regarded as more important that freedom of expression I do not know. There is a real danger that those who have tried to support gay rights for liberal reasons may find themselves responsible for suppressing vital liberties.'

Tory MP Douglas Carswell, a member of the Parliamentary Human Rights Committee, said: 'I disagree with Mr Green's views but I feel very strongly that he should be allowed to express them.'

The Harwich and Clacton MP added: 'I take a liberal view on sexuality but I am disturbed that the police should show so much vigour in arresting this man and bringing him before the courts. I am deeply worried about the implications for freedom of expression.'

Colin Hart of the Christian Institute think tank said: 'This was a very gentle leaflet. There was no use of words like "perversion". I have to wonder if churches, bishops and archbishops are now vulnerable to arrest for their views on homosexuality.

'It is noticeable that police never arrest Muslims who make remarks about homosexuality. They pick on Christians because it is easy, just as they pick on middle class drivers for speeding because it is easier than catching burglars.'



Posted by: JeriRose12

Lord, save homosexuals, so they no longer get mad and have Christians arrested! I pray these leaflets lead some of them to repentance unto salvation.

Father, send favor to Stephen Green. Let the charges be dropped in favor of freedom of expression. I pray all the charges are dropped.

Send peace and encouragemnt to Stephen Green.

Give him courage and boldness.

In Jesus Name, amen.

~JeriRose~
Finding YOU in 2006 (The Year Of The Double Portion!)


Posted by: Jesurgislac

Colin Hart forgot that in January 2006, Iqbal Sacranie was investigated by the Metropolitan Police for making ugly, bigoted comments about homosexuality on a radio program.

Stephen Green was arrested because, despite being warned by the police that his bigoted and misleading leaflets were harassment of people who were having a nice day out at Mardi Gras, he continued to hand them out. Had a Muslim been doing the same thing with misleading quotes from the Qu'ran, the same would have happened to him.

Stephen Green has been publicly outspoken against free speech when it suits him: it's ironic to see him trying to claim a right to free speech which that suits him better.

Dear Lord, we who are
divided
unloving
prejudiced at times
inclined to misunderstanding
intolerant

Make us instead
united
loving
open to learning
understanding and forgiving
tolerant

May your Spirit be present in us as you are in all peoples.


Posted by: FriendOfGod

Being arrested for sharing the truth!!! O dear gracious Lord, please give this faithful servant justice! Please advicate for him and vindicate on his behalf. Please step in and intervene and interject in this manner. I ask of you to have your will and your way in all of this. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.


Posted by: Rachel R

I am pretty sure that you could never describe Jesus as tolerant toward homosexuality.

I'm afraid it is on the list of God's things that are most destructive to those who participate in it.

God doesn't ban things because he just doesn't 'like' them.

Sin is sin because it damages people.

God is a loving God and wants to protect people from the things that harm them.

Rachel R






Posted by: youngijp

"...We know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered."
Romans 8:26 KJV

"...Jesus....hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them."
Hebrews 7:22,24-25 KJV

`


Posted by: Christian Commando

Lord-


We pray that you would sear the hearts of those gay people that are lost to you/ We ask that they realize where they are headed and sincerely seek you for Salvation and a life in and for you only. We also pray you'd touch thier hearts not to go against your Children, but instead seek knowledge of you from them that would lead them to seek your help in changing thier thinking and lives towards you.

In Jesus Name- Amen!!


Posted by: Laureen

Hi:
I would like to post a comment and a prayer at the end of the comment. I hope that this be received in LOVE and with UNDERSTANDING because that is how it is meant. This is not meant to offend or criticize, but simply to voice my opinion and the opinion of many others. These days, Tracts are no longer, in many cases a useful form of Evangelism. They were at one time but now mostly are seen as a nuisance. Most people throw them away, they waste paper and resources and are an annoyance to those who are on the receiving end. This in NO way means that the words in and on those tracts are bad, NOT the truth or anything otherwise. The intent is well meant, its all in the presentation. I myself would never go to a Homosexual event or Heavy Metal concert as an example and ever dream of giving out such tracts or I would EXPECT to get arrested or punched in the face or otherwise. I would, however, go and if i met people i would TELL them about JESUS and invite them out for a meal perhaps--that i would do. I may not give out 5000 tracts, but it is NOT quantity that matters--it is QUALITY! And honestly, I would guess that about 4,999 of those 5,000 are thrown away. Not that this is even the worst case scenario--WORSE than that is coming across as an ANNOYANCE! We are representatives of our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST! Do you think he wants us out there representing him like this? Making a spectacle out of ourselves and being a nuisance? Getting arrested for not complying with Law Enforcement? And these people who are living their lives in Sin are watching this going on. What a sad testimony. We are to do things in LOVE, in a PEACEFUL MANNER, with GENTLENESS and KINDNESS. Do you think it is kind to go around and hand someone a tract at an event where you were NOT invited, where you are AGAINST what they stand for and hand out information that one may find offensive? Would you want homosexuals to come and protest at YOUR CHURCH? I certainly wouldnt want that where I go to Church because it would be frightening to people, it would upset them and it would be an annoyance. I am NOT saying that these people do not NEED to hear the GOSPEL becuase they VERY MUCH DO. Im saying that it is all about using good judgment and discernment and wisdom about where and when to minister to people. It is just not wise to go to such an event unless one is prepared with ALOT OF COVERING IN PRAYER and AS A GROUP and NOT TO BE AN ANNOYANCE. It sounds to me as Mr. Green was quite defiant. I never quite understood the whole thing with these Tracts anyway to be honest. I see them thrown away and as a huge waste of resource these days. Ministering to someone involves alot more than handing them a piece of paper and then walking away. We have to show LOVE and CONCERN and if one would really like to minister to someone, how about showing them LOVE..... Go to these events as a group.....Meet people, talk to them, Invite them to your Church, Invite them to have a meal with you, Invite them for a cup of coffee, PRAY FOR THEM. All of these things are much more effective then handing them a piece of paper, walking away and then taking a tally of how many have been handed out (not saying that anyone here is doing this but i have heard of such things) Come on....we've got to LET GO AND LET GOD here. Our LORD, in all of his LOVE for us wants us to get the word out-YES, but he wants us to do so in LOVE. How is it loving to hand someone a tract and insist that they read it or even not insist they read it when they are in the MIDST of such evil and are going to do nothing but throw it away, they may throw it at you, they more than likely WILL get annoyed and irritated by it anyway and they may always remember this 'annoyance' as such. I do not see this as a useful and effective ministry and it only fuels the already burning fire that 'all Christians are freaks and weirdos'. Do you think that the LORD wants for us to come across in such ways? We are trying to get the WORD of the LORD out there. We are trying to show the WORLD about our WONDERFUL and LOVING SAVIOR who provides FORGIVENESS OF SINS, NOT PERSECUTION FOR THEM. We one time went to a concert...this was a Christian Concert. One of the MAIN RULES of this concert was that we were in NO WAY allowed to hand out Tracts to anyone or that we would be asked to leave. This was NOT the avenue that was going to be used to minister to these people. It was going to be a day of PEACE, and it was. It was meant to be a day of JOY and it was. It was also meant to be a day where others, should they wish to were going to receive the LORD and they did. Accepting the LORD IS A GIFT and it is OUR CHOICE whether or not we want to accept this AWESOME GIFT. This was not going to be a day of forcefulness - because our LORD is not forceful, he is gentle and kind. This was not going to be a day of persecution, because OUR LORD is the only one that Judgment is reserved for. It was an amazing day, many were saved and PRAISE GOD for that. All that i am saying is please try to understand, instead of trying to say that these people are bad becuase they arrested someone for handing out Tracts, how this is seen by many people these days. This WAS a useful form of Evangelism in its day--but not anymore. PRAISE GOD for the person who was trying to get the word out--THEY are not bad, the delivery is bad though. It also mentions, in your article that 'Mr. Green was asked to stop handing out the tracts but did not comply'. Aren't we supposed to obey the Authorities--especially Law Enforcement? If they are asking us politely to stop doing something, whether we agree or not, are we not supposed to do so? They were not asking him to go against the WORD OF GOD they were simply asked to stop handing out material that some would find offensive. If that is the case, PRAY FOR THOSE PEOPLE that they would RECEIVE the WORD of the LORD and that the LORD would unharden their hearts! That is what I was always taught to do. I do not believe that defiance is something that we are supposed to practice as Christians and it can be a poor testimony regardless of what we are trying to do and then doing so in OUR LORD'S NAME! Again, i point to whether or not you would want someone coming to your Church and protesting against Christianity or saying that Homosexuality should be acceptable? I would NOT want to see this on a Sunday Morning after being filled with GOD's WORD--that is for sure. All that these people need is PRAYER! They do not need to be condemned and we have to remember that GOD HATES ALL SIN! Not just the sins that are the most repulsive to us.

FATHER GOD, I pray DEAR LORD that you FILL us with UNDERSTANDING about how to MINISTER IN LOVE. I pray FATHER GOD that we do so with GENTLENESS AND KINDNESS and with UNDERSTANDING AND COMPASSION for those who are in DARKNESS. We ourselves are FAR from PERFECT as only you are DEAR LORD. Please help us to get your WORD out there using LOVE, MERCY, UNDERSTANDING and COMPASSION instead of harshness, forcefulness and to do do without condemnation as there is NO CONDEMNATION IN CHRIST JESUS! I pray this in your HOLY NAME, Amen.

Thank you!! GOD BLESS YOU!!


Posted by: youngijp

KJV Romans 12:12 ...Continuing instant in prayer; 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

KJV Psalm 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. 12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. 13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. 14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
~
~
Rescue the perishing, care for the dying,
Snatch them in pity from sin and the grave;
Weep o’er the erring one, lift up the fallen,
Tell them of Jesus, the mighty to save.

Rescue the perishing, care for the dying,
Jesus is merciful, Jesus will save.

Though they are slighting Him, still He is waiting,
Waiting the penitent child to receive;
Plead with them earnestly, plead with them gently;
He will forgive if they only believe.

Rescue the perishing, care for the dying,
Jesus is merciful, Jesus will save.

Down in the human heart, crushed by the tempter,
Feelings lie buried that grace can restore;
Touched by a loving heart, wakened by kindness,
Chords that were broken will vibrate once more.

Rescue the perishing, care for the dying,
Jesus is merciful, Jesus will save.

Rescue the perishing, duty demands it;
Strength for thy labor the Lord will provide;
Back to the narrow way patiently win them;
Tell the poor wand’rer a Savior has died.

Rescue the perishing, care for the dying,
Jesus is merciful, Jesus will save.
www . cyberhymnal . org/htm/r/e/rescuetp . htm
~
http://www.annointed.net/
American Baptists Considering Split Over Homosexuality, please pray.
Bishop Abandoned In Africa For Gay Support!
Episcopal church: "Homosexuality not a choice; Jesus not the only way!"
College Paper Shows Pics Of JESUS As A Homosexual!
Teen Girls' NIV Bible--talks of sex and lesbianism PLEASE PRAY!!
New BatWoman Comic Book Character is a Lesbian!
Christian Groups Protest Ford's Support Of Gay Weds !
Wal Mart--Gay Alliance
California bills that would make it a crime to preach anti-homosexuality, please pray
Senate to vote on Marriage Amendment June 6th. Please pray
+Senate To Vote On Gay/Marriage JUNE 6 TH!
California schools to 'honor' gays in textbooks, and bar negative portrayals...
Bill banning 'mom and dad' from school text book advances in California, please pray
House Rejects Gay Marriage Ban Amendment, please pray
Judge Overrules 76% Of Voters Says Yes To Gay Weds!

~
KJV Matthew 18:11 ...The Son of man is come to save that which was lost. 12 How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? 13 And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.

~
~
http://www.annointed.net/
Pray for Kirk Talley/former singer in Cathedrals
Pray for Ted Haggard
~
We are reminded that often
....Someone slipped and fell.... but,
It is no secret what God can do....
With arms wide open, He'll pardon....
and that Kirk Talley, Ted Haggard, and we are all
....a standing in the need of prayer..... to God that ....
When the whirlwind of passion is raging,
When sin in our hearts his wild warfare is waging,
Then send down Thy grace Thy redeemèd to cherish
Rebuke the destroyer; “Save, Lord, or we perish.”
www . ziplo . com/secret . html
www .stlyrics . com/songs/j/jimmydean6735/standingintheneedofprayer468820.html
www . cyberhymnal . org/htm/w/t/wtttstwt . htm
~

"...Jesus....said,...Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."
Matthew 18:2,3,20 KJV; (1 Corinthians 5:4)

"O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so....Redeemed....with the precious blood of Christ....by grace....through faith....the gift of God. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son....the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world....that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life....God....will have all...to be saved, and to come into the knowledge of the truth....There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus....Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity....For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God....Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered....Magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together."
Psalm 34:3;107:1-2; 1 Peter 1:18-19; Ephesians 2:8; John 1:29;3:16; 1 Timothy 2:3-5; Titus 2:14; Romans 3:23;4:7 KJV

~