Feisty, Elderly Irish Pastor Found "Not Guilty" After Preaching This About Islam

Leah Marieann Klett : Jan 6, 2016
The Gospel Herald

"The best bit for me was when they played my sermon in court. The clip with the controversial comments was only 35 seconds long but they played the full hour-and-a-half sermon. I was delighted. I don't think I converted anybody in court but at least they all had to listen to the Gospel." -Pastor James McConnell

(Ireland)—After a lengthy trial, Pastor James McConnell, who came under fire for a sermon delivered in 2014 in which he branded Islam as "heathen" and "satanic," was found not guilty of broadcasting grossly offensive remarks. (Photo via Gospel Herald)

According to a report from the BBC, the 78-year-old preacher, from Shore Road in Newtownabbey, County Antrim, walked free from court after being acquitted of both counts by a judge in Belfast.

Speaking after the ruling, McConnell stated, "I am very happy that there is liberty to preach the Gospel" before emphasizing that his only regret was the response from the Muslim community that he was "out to hurt them."

"There was no way I was out to hurt them—I wouldn't hurt a hair on their head," he said. "But what I am against is their theology and what they believe in. If there are Muslims out there, I want to assure them I love them and, if they need help, I am there to help them, but their theology and their beliefs, I am totally against them."

He added: "I would do it again but I would word it differently because I would be conscious I was hurting innocent Muslims, I would be conscious I was hurting Muslims who have come here to work hard and are doing their best—there's no way I would hurt those people, but I would do it again, yes."

As reported by the Gospel Herald, McConnell, who is battling cancer, delivered the sermon in question to...

Click here to continue reading, taking note, especially, quotes from the judge who ruled on the case.