This Pastor Faces Criminal Charges For The Way He Labeled Islam in a Sermon

Jeremy Burns : Jun 23, 2015
Charisma News

Ultimately, even apologizing and explaining the reasoning behind his sermon wasn't enough for the Public Prosecution Service, who are now pressing charges against McConnell.

(United Kingdom)—Pastor James McConnell is in hot legal water after prosecutors have decided to press charges over a sermon he delivered in May 2014.

The sermon, which McConnell delivered to his congregation at the evangelical Whitewell Metropolitan Tabernacle in Belfast, called Islam "satanic" and "heathen." Local authorities deemed these remarks "grossly offensive," and because the sermon was also streamed online, as many churches' sermons are now, police have now found him in violation of the United Kingdom’s 2003 Communications Act.

"That offense was one of sending, or causing to be sent, by means of a public electronic communications network, a message or other matter that was grossly offensive," said a spokesman for the Public Prosecution Service, citing a provision of the sweeping law.

When police first questioned McConnell, they offered him an "informed warning," which in U.K. law is recorded on a person's criminal record for 12 months, although it is not a conviction. McConnell refused the offer, and, after criticism from members of the public who saw the sermon online, eventually issued a public apology, read by his lawyer while the pastor stood beside him on the stage, looking penitent.

Ultimately, even apologizing and explaining the reasoning behind his sermon wasn't enough for the Public Prosecution Service, who are now pressing charges against McConnell.

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