Worthy Christian News » Youth Pastor Who Was Arrested For Sharing His Faith Vindicated

christian news

Do you see an inappropriate ad? PLEASE REPORT IT!

Worthy Christian News - Daily Christian News Service


by Marshall Ramsey II, Worthy News U.S. Correspondent

SACRAMENTO, CA (Worthy News)– In what is seen as a victory not only for freedom of speech, but also for Christians and the ability to share their faith in an increasingly hostile climate here in America, a California Appeal Court issued a sharp rebuke to a local shopping mall for arresting a Christian youth pastor, Worthy News has learned.

Matthew Snatchko, the youth pastor in question, was arrested in 2007 for engaging casual conversation about faith in Jesus Christ with two other shoppers. Even though the shoppers had given permission to Mr. Snatchko to speak to them regarding the subject, a store employee who was nearby objected and called mall security, who then arrested Mr. Snatchko.

Under Roseville Galleria Mall rules, shoppers are not allowed to engage in conversations topics such as religion or politics, because the mall says they may be potentially controversial. The criminal charges were later dropped against Mr. Snatchko. However, Pacific Justice Institute attorneys thought it prudent to file suit to challenge the mall's restrictions on free speech.

VICTORY FOR JESUS

The Sacramento 3rd District Court of Appeal struck down the mall's rules as unconstitutionally vague and restrictive of free speech. The court indicated Mr. Snatchko would be able to collect damages and attorney's fees, and awarded him costs on appeal.

"We are very pleased with this landmark ruling by the California Court of Appeal that vindicates the right to engage in casual conversations about faith without fear of being arrested," said PJI President Brad Dacus. "This is a great victory for free speech and common sense."

Related News Stories:

  1. Vietnamese Pastor Arrested, Questioned
  2. 1,000-plus youth turn to Christ; outreach led by 3 youth ministers
  3. Eritrea: Pastor Disappears, 10 Protestants Arrested
  4. Activist Christian Pastor Arrested in Vietnam
  5. Pentecostal Pastor To Lead Obama's Faith-Based Programs
  6. House Church Pastor and Evangelist Arrested in Henan, China
  7. India: New Believer Arrested, Urged to Frame Pastor

Copyright 1999-2011 Worthy News. All rights reserved.

  • Lynda Lowery

    Thank You, Father God, for Your intervening in the defense of the Pacific Justice Institute attorneys and the Christian Youth Pastor, Matthew Snatchko case, who had been arrested wrongly for exercising his God-given AND U.S. Bill of Rights-given Freedom of Speech when, with permission from the hearers, he attempted to witness and share his faith in Jesus Christ in the Roseville Galleria Shopping Mall. You also touched the heart of the Sacramento 3rd District Court of Appeals to rule in his favor and to award the Pastor for all damages, for which I, too, am grateful that You watch over those who love You, according to Rom 8:28 : "All things work together for good to those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose."

  • Mike Craig

    Isaiah 54:17
    no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue … of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD.

    Praise Y'Shua for every word that proceeds out of His mouth, for it will not return to Him void.

  • Angela Davis

    It's about time we heard about some of these kinds of ordinary, everyday, persecutions of believers in the Christ/Messiah in the USA. The numbers in house arrest, prisons, and (seriously) in mental facilities being experimented on for their faith in Jesus as the Way is astouding. This is the age of US medical science having the ability to keep people alive for decades on end while they (the Psychological professionals) do things that would make the Spanish Inquisitors sick. Only the merciful among them kill their subject, finally, blaming it on suicide instead of the abominations they are. The silence deafening. The neglect of Christians to their brethren a stench in the nostrils of the Most High. Then people wonder why He is slowly removing His hand of protection on American? I'd like to say "God have mercy" once more, its almost a knee jerk reaction after the last 10 years of seeing no none even trying to expose it but I just plain don't think "God bless the USA" is His will anymore. When we have more Pastors here who've been arrested for their faith, we just might have leaders worthy to lead real Christians. Praise God that He created one real Pastor for His own sake, this time – and saved him by faith just like the gospel promises. One man has been found, only about 10,000 more needed. There's more real leaders in the prisons than we have in churches now.

  • joyson

    Thank you Father

Worthy News Virtual Tour

Worthy Christian News Virtual Tour


Worthy News is an independent Christian news agency which reports news not covered by other outlets, on key developments in a rapidly changing world. Worthy News reaches both Christians and non-Christians around the globe and strives to be balanced and make a difference in these strategic times.

If you're interested in submitting articles or commentaries for Worthy News, visit Worthy Writers.

Worthy News. Reliable-Trustworthy-Cutting Edge

Worthy Christian News Syndication

We've launched our FREE syndication service. Click here to get our FREE Christian News!

Total Number of websites using Worthy News Syndication service: 2237!

Help others find Worthy Christian News! Use this code to link to Worthy Christian News on your web page:

<a href="http://www.worthynews.com" title="Christian News Service">Christian News Service - Worthy News</a>



Copyright 1999-2011 Worthy Christian News » Youth Pastor Who Was Arrested For Sharing His Faith Vindicated