2005
REVERSED: City of Concord, N.C. Ruling To Block Free Speech of Christian Group Desiring To Proclaim Christ
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In an October 14, 2005 Operation Save America press release: The City of Concord, North Carolina has announced that it has revoked the previously issued permit to Operation Save America for its planned Gospel proclamation this weekend. Criminal charges and arrests have been threatened if the group preaches the Gospel and tests the legality of this reversal. Overturning its previously issued policy, the city has for the first time restricted the free speech of local Christians desiring to proclaim Christ. Pastor Flip Benham, National Director of the organization, stated, “We have jumped through every hoop the city of Concord has set before us. We have applied for and received the appropriate documents. This arbitrary decision is dead wrong! The City of Concord has violated the Law of God and the Constitution of the United States of America.” Concord, North Carolina, has revoked all permits to preach or teach in Jesus’ Name. “This will not stand!” said Benham. “ For Christians to be locked up for meeting on a public sidewalk anywhere in America is criminal.” Since the late 1980’s, Operation Save America, previously known as Operation Rescue, has tested the constitutionality of such free speech restrictions in its stated goal of proclaiming the Gospel of Christ and overturning Roe v. Wade.
But victory was achieved and the ruling was reversed In an email from Operation Save America’s attorney and Director of the American Liberties Institute, Rick Nelson:
The City of Concord has decided to rescind the citations issued to you following the October 14, 2005, event with prejudice. This means that the city will never pursue the citations against you. As a result, the hearing set for this Thursday, December 1, 2005, in the City of Concord is canceled. At this time, we would like to keep the planning meeting set for Wednesday, November 30, 2005, at 10:00 a.m. on the calendar because we are still waiting for final confirmation.
More good news, this City Council will meet this Thursday to strike the parade ordinance in its entirety. This means that you will no longer be subject to any enforcement of the city’s parade regulations. Of course, they will likely enact a new ordinance regulating parades early next year. At this time, we are working through the details. We will update you again on Wednesday.
Thank you for your prayers. Please do keep praying because we still need final confirmation.
Your servants, Rick Nelson and Mike Schmidt.
Operation Save America’s response: WE WON! Jesus Gave Us the Victory!
What incredible news! I can’t wait to tell everybody what God has done through you. Rick and Satu, you have truly allowed this verse to come to life for all of us at OSA, “In the same way, let your light shine before men that they might see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16. I’m praising God right now, not believing this wonderful turn of events
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