Swedish court hears 'hate' case

BBC News ^ | 11/09/2005 | Staff

[Engraved-on-His-hands]

A Swedish clergyman accused of inciting hatred against homosexuals has defended his comments in Sweden's Supreme Court. In a sermon two years ago, Pentecostal pastor Ake Green told his congregation that homosexuality was a ''deep cancer tumour'' on society.

Speaking in court, Mr Green said the comment referred to a homosexual lifestyle, rather than individuals.

A conviction against him earlier this year was overturned, but Sweden's chief prosecutor appealed against this.

If found guilty by the Supreme Court, Mr Green could serve up to two years in jail.

[Engraved-on-His-hands]

Remember Ake Green.

Here is a link to the sermon:

Ake Green's Sermon

Here are the comments that he made after the sermon. (Remember. He is on trial for hate crimes.)

We must never think that some people, because of their sinful lives, would end up outside of grace. Paul says about himself that he was the foremost of all sinners, but he encountered an abundance of grace and mercy. He also states in First Corinthians 6:9-11, when he lists sexual immorality with other sins, that you can be saved from all the listed sins, including sexual immorality. What these people need, who live under the slavery of sexual immorality, is an abundant grace. It exists. It is valid also for them. Therefore we will encourage those who live in this manner to look at the grace of Jesus Christ. We cannot condemn these people -- Jesus never did that either. He showed everyone He met deep respect for the person they were, for instance the adulterous woman, in John 8, or the woman at the well in Sychar, according to John 4. Jesus never belittled anyone. He offered them grace. We must never belittle anyone who lives in sin. The sin we cannot bear -- but the human being [we must hold up]. Surely we still believe it is as Paul says in the Letter to Titus [2: 11-12]. Listen:

''For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.''

It is by showing all people grace and mercy that we can win them for Christ. We never win anyone by giving them the cold shoulder.

[muawiyah]

"W" ought to offer this man refuge from state persecution.

[Cedric]

Pray!

[kromike]

What I'm waiting for is when Islamofascists start conquering these oh-so-enlightened liberal countries and start actually executing gays instead of Westerners merely criticizing their behavior.

How far will the Left go (if at all) in condemning these executions as hate-crimes?????

Or are Christians only capable of "hate-crimes", just like only white people are capable of "racism"? Hmmmm???

/end sarcasm

[trashcanbred]

" conviction against him earlier this year was overturned, but Sweden's chief prosecutor appealed against this"

Wow.. the prosecutor appealed? Dumb question but in the US if an appeal is overturned can the prosecution appeal it?

[thiscouldbemoreconfusing]

To bad he can't appeal to an(my) Alabama court.

[YOUGOTIT]

Same law as in Canada. There is no longer free speech in the EU and Canada as the left takes over just as their Communist fathers planned.

[muawiyah]

That Van Gogh fellow may well have been executed for homosexual behavior and not just his criticism of Islam. After all, plenty of people criticize Islam, but he was an outspoken gay.

The far left ought to think about this more lest their favorite practices may be abolished.

[little jeremiah]

Whoever gets to it first!

[DirtyHarryY2K]

Homosexual Agenda Ping.

If you want on/off the ping list let me and little jeremiah know.

Free Republic homosexual agenda keyword search

[little jeremiah]

Thanks, Harry - sorry to throw so many in your lap, so to speak.

Not feeling that well today, on and off FR here and there.

Is it getting very active lately, or what?

[LiteKeeper]

INTREP - Law/Sociology