July 15, 2008
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Jesus shared those words with His disciples shortly before He was crucified, bearing the sins of the whole world – the ultimate persecution. Today, those who believe in Jesus still suffer for their faith. In America, though, the tactics may be less harsh but the intent is the same – to shut the mouths of those who “have seen and believe.” That is exactly what happened recently in a New York town’s park.
Last summer, volunteers with Jews for Jesus attempted to enter a park in Oyster Bay, New York. The group of messianic Jews planned to distribute literature and speak to individuals about their faith. However, when they arrived, they were only permitted one conversation – with the Commissioner of Public Safety. He told the group they would be arrested by local police if they handed out even one piece of literature.
One member assured the commissioner that she was only interested in speaking about her faith and agreed to not pass out literature. Her polite offer was answered with a police escort out of the park. The officer admitted, “It’s not even about the ordinance at this point; they just want you to leave.” Members were also informed they could face a citation for trespassing if patrons were “offended” by the message. A blatant smack of unconstitutional discrimination against their religious freedom!
The group sued the town of Oyster Bay on grounds that their First Amendment rights were violated, and last week, by God’s grace, secured a settlement.
“Christians shouldn’t be penalized for expressing their beliefs,” said ADF-allied attorney Rick Nelson of the American Liberties Institute, who represented Jews for Jesus in the suit. “The government has no right to harass and threaten citizens for exercising their First Amendment rights in public.”
No one complained about being “offended” by Jews for Jesus’ presence in the park that day. The threat that someone might not like hearing about the Gospel was enough for the town of Oyster Bay to muzzle this group. But, in the end, the Truth prevails. Now Jews for Jesus and other Christians can enter parks and share the Gospel without fear of arrest. However, in other parks and public places all over the country, the attacks will continue.
ADF is standing up for the religious rights of believers from coast to coast. Little by little, we are breaking down this fabricated wall of “separation of church and state” that so many are using to prevent Christians from living out their faith. And that means the ACLU and its allies are losing.
Thanks to the generous support of caring ministry friends like you, Christians across America are truly able to enjoy their First Amendment rights and proclaim their faith. By God’s grace, we’ll continue to take these cases and, one by one, restore the freedom of all believers to hear and speak the Truth.