Penalty for religious vilification handed down Wednesday

By June 21, 2005

Australia (MNN) — The first people convicted under Victoria, Australia’s Racial and Religious Tolerance Act of 2001 will receive their penalties on Wednesday.

In December, Pastors Danny Nalliah and Daniel Scot with Catch the Fire Ministries were convicted of vilifying Islam during a seminar on Islam that was held in March of 2002.

Their penalty hearing was held back in May. The judge in the case was actually supposed to have made his decision a few weeks ago. Last month, the court explained the basis of what they could ask for, including, an apology, an order regarding future conduct (possibily involving speaking and writing), and an order that the court files be closed or suppressed.

There’s been no indication as to what the penalty might be.

Salt Shakers is asking Christians in Victoria, Australia, to attend and show their support for both men. They hope that the show of support will show how much the law is causing division and is actually not accomplishing what lawmakers had intended.

Pray for the pastors and the families. Pray that they will know how to respond both to the judge and to the media. Pray for wisdom, courage, discernment and boldness. Pray, also that God will use this as a way to unify the church to be salt and light in a dark world.

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