Evangelicals Now
<< October 2003 >>

Will Christians be silenced?

A case currently before the Australian courts should be of concern to Christians all over the 'free' world because of its implications there and further afield

Two years ago the Victoria State Parliament passed the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act to discourage racial and religious hatred and prevent inter-racial violence. This law is now being used to silence Christian education on matters relating to Islam.

In March 2002, just months after the above law was enacted, a seminar on the teachings of Islam was arranged for Christians. Pastor Daniel Scot was the speaker. The meeting was attended by three Muslims who reported back to the Islamic Council of Victoria and they have now begun proceedings against Catch the Fire Ministry, Pastors Scot and Daniel Nalliah. The Islamic Council claim that the defendants were in breach of the above law in that they vilified the Islamic faith.

Freedom of expression

The respondents' defence is that the seminar was in pursuance of religious faith and was a bona fide religious activity. They claim that the contents of the seminar were in the public interest and they were exercising their right to hold opinions without interference and their right to freedom of expression.

They also seek to demonstrate that the seminar was based on Qur'anic and other religious texts and accurately reflects these teachings.

Apologies and more

The Islamic Council is seeking the following remedies in the case: an order that the respondents issue a statement on the website of CFF Ministry acknowledging that statements made were inaccurate and misleading and had the effect of arousing suspicion and hatred of Muslims; this statement should also apologise for the offence and hurt caused. Further, there should be an order re-straining the respondents from publishing or distributing further materials to the same effect. The respondents are also to be ordered to retrieve any such material distributed to third parties and are to compensate for the offence, humiliation and distress caused by their conduct.

Fair and reasonable?

Inevitably the complainants are extremely well funded, in contrast to the Christian brethren. As far as financing permits, the defence team are seeking international expertise to enable them to counter these charges. Clearly, in addition to financial aid, the main need is prayer support for the brethren charged and the legal team acting on their behalf.

This case should act as a warning to Christians in other parts of the world, including the UK. Attempts are being made to introduce similar laws here. They may seem to be fair and reasonable for the protection of 'minorities', but this case shows that they can be used against Christian work. Indeed, Christians do not have the same protections under Islamic law. Experience around the world also suggests that such laws can be just a step to the introduction of shari'a law to control national laws. We do not hate the Muslims and we seek to show them the love of Christ. But, we have the right to argue about the nature of their faith and its implications as we seek to spread the true gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.