62-Page Indictment Against American Pastor Effectively Calls Sharing the Gospel an Act of Terrorism

American Center for Law & Justice ^ | 3/21/2018 | Staff

[stars & stripes forever]

American Pastor Andrew Brunson has now been officially charged, facing what amounts to life in prison, as his trial begins in just weeks.

Yesterday, in yet another turn of events, a Turkish court approved an indictment that the Turkish prosecutor apparently turned in last week, even after denying doing so. Since the indictment has been approved, the prosecution phase of the case will now begin. After almost a year and a half in prison, Pastor Andrew has his first court date set for April 16, 2018. The case file is now finally open, and by the end of the week, we should have access to all of the alleged evidence.

The 62-page indictment, wholly lacking merit, provides no evidence regarding criminal action by Pastor Andrew, which comes as no surprise. Pastor Andrew, who has lived in Turkey for 23 years, serving as Pastor of the Izmir Resurrection Church, has maintained his innocence and has reiterated that he has been in Turkey for only one reason, to tell about Jesus Christ. Incredibly, the indictment now admits that Turkey considers sharing the Gospel an “act of terrorism.”

[stars & stripes forever]

Please keep Pastor Andrew Brunson in your prayers and sign the petition.

"Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on My account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matthew 5:11-12)

[stars & stripes forever]

Complete title: 62-Page Indictment Against American Pastor Andrew Brunson Effectively Calls Sharing the Gospel an Act of Terrorism

[HamiltonJay]

There is no such thing as a secular state in the muslim world..... TO their credit Turkey managed to keep one for a while.. but Wahabbism will not be denied....

It can only be slaughtered, and no one is willing to do the deed.

[aspasia]

I feel powerless.

[Delta 21]

You have a court date. The judge will see you now.

[SunStar]

Turkey, since the “failed coup attempt”, is an authoritative regime sliding into an Islamic republic. Good luck to anyone going against Erdogan or Islam generally. They shouldn’t be viewed as a democratic or Western country at all anymore.

[lee martell]

This is only the latest reason why most countries want Turkey booted out of NATO. The leaders of that country are becoming more dictatorial by the day.

It’s a shame. I visited the Turkish city of Izmir decades ago during the Reagan Administration (1980). I was in the Navy then.
Geographically, it’s a beautiful place. The waters were deep blue and clean at that time. When I was there, not all the women wore those hijabs. Near the coastline, there were dozens of kiosks and bazaars. Frankincence filled the air. No halter tops, though.

[I want the USA back]

This is what muzzy countries do. There is no way of living peacefully with muzzies.

[ChildOfThe60s]

While their intentions are good, I find it unfathomable why missionaries even go to countries like Turkey. I’m sure there are Americans here that would benefit from their ministry.

[stars & stripes forever]

[While their intentions are good, I find it unfathomable why missionaries even go to countries like Turkey. I’m sure there are Americans here that would benefit from their ministry.]

Missionaries are called to fulfill The Great Commission. God is not willing for any to perish. All Christians are called to spread the Good News wherever they go. Whenever WE walk out the door we are stepping into the mission field.

Matthew 28:16-20 - The Great Commission

Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted!

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

[liberalh8ter]

When I read the headline, it didn’t occur to me this wasn’t in the U.S. How sad is that? Prayers for Pastor Brunson. These are dangerous times.

[caww]

.....”I find it unfathomable why missionaries even go to countries like Turkey”......

Turkey and other nations as that already have Ethnic Christians to fulfill spreading the gospel among their own...and no better than those who are so to understand and relate the gospel message to their people.

I agree this Commission needs greater attention right here in the USA..and has been so for a very long time.

I also believe there are many missionaries who ‘go’ but are not in truth called to do so today. It is a high calling which is not carefully considered or regarded as it needs to be.

[caww]

This is entirely political NOT christian persecution .... Erdogan wants Gullen, (Protected in the Pocono Hills of Pa. where he's set up camp) in trade for the Pastor....who he blames for the coup against him...

He lives in a gated 26-acre compound in the Pocono Mountains,

[freepertoo]

Because Jesus said to tell them...a very good reason.

[.45 Long Colt]

This is horrible news, but it isn’t surprising. I know a Baptist missionary who moved his family to Turkey ten years ago. They came home for the holidays and while home decided they shouldn’t go back. When I talked to him in December he was still planning to go back, but it was clear he was really concerned about the growing danger.

I know of another missionary who has been in Turkey since the early 90’s. I don’t if he is still there. I do know there is an underground church in Turkey that needs prayer.

[publius911]

62-Page Indictment Against American Pastor Effectively Calls Sharing the Gospel an Act of Terrorism,.

That this headline referred to Turkey should be part of the headline, otherwise the headline is grossly misleading, if not outright fraudulent.

I have two comments about this thread.

I admire Erdogan, the koranimal totalitarian for acting on his convictions and his view of Christianity as the "enemy" in physical terrorist terms, although I know of no Christian physical terrorism by Christians in Turkey.

My second comment is that the United States is perfectly justified, based on facts, to declare islam a terrorist organization and banned from the United States.
But American elected criminal politicians are loathe, to the detriment of the safety and security of its citizens to act on the righteousness of their convictions.

For those familiar with the history of Turkey and its temporary flirtation with secular government via Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (as opposed to the damned animal killer muslim culture) backed up by a strong engaged military at the beginning of the 20th Century.

Ironically, one of my favorite historic politico-military quotes comes from a Turk Military officer:

"Everybody must know that the Turkish armed forces will not tolerate the use of the opportunities of democracy by the enemies of the system as a means to dynamite the basic principles of our state...” retiring Chief of Staff General Huseyin Kivrikoglu, Turkey*

* Hüseyin Kıvrıkoğlu (born 1934) was a Turkish general, who became the 23rd Commander of the Turkish Armed Forces on August 28, 1998 for a four-year term. He also served as Chief of the Turkish General Staff and was succeeded by General Hilmi Özkök.