Elderly Pastor Prosecuted For Preaching

Someone remarked that persecution is one of the surest signs of the genuineness of a man's Christianity - and I for one believe this is true.

Todays  post concerns the persecution of an elderly pastor named James McConnell who is currently  being prosecuted in Northern Ireland for a sermon he preached.  Though this post in no way represents a personal endorsement of McConnell's ministry  (there are some areas I would have substantive differences with him) I do hope that it will  provide you with much food for thought.  Having personally profited from the preaching of Pastor McConnell while I was living in the United Kingdom, believing him to be a man of great zeal for the gospel, and resolutely knowing him to be a genuine brother in the Lord, I make McConnell's case known to you realizing that you've heard nothing about it in the American press.

"Persecution is one of the surest signs of the genuineness of a man's Christianity."

Below (besides some very brief biographical data) you will find a video excerpt of the sermon in question and a link to a recent update on McConnell's situation from one of Northern Ireland's leading newspapers.  If you are interested in gathering further information a google search of UK news outlets should suffice.

Please remember this battle tested brother in your prayers even as you remember our persecuted brethren in other parts of the world.  Also please take time to reflect on this sobering fact - if the things described below can happen in Northern Ireland of all places, then they certainly can and will happen here in America... 

And so be it if the Lord wills.

-Rev. R Crabtree
Pastor's Study
All Souls Church
Green Camp, Ohio

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Meet Pastor McConnell

Name:
James McConnell

Age: 
78

Occupation:  
Senior Pastor (retired) 
Whitewell Metropolitan Tabernacle  
Belfast, Northern Ireland

Other: 
Presently facing prison for sermon  (watch below)

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Read a recent update on James McConnell's situation from one of Northern Ireland's main daily papers - The News Letter