'Satanic' Islam sermon trial: Verdict expected in January

The verdict on pastor James McConnell, who is accused of making "grossly offensive" remarks about Islam, will not be delivered until next month.

Pastor James McConnell says he still believes what he said (Facebook/Pastor James McConnell)

The evangelical preacher from Belfast has denied two charges relating to a sermon he delivered where he said Muslims were "heathen", and Islam was a "satanic" religion "spawned in hell".

The founder of Whitewell Metropolitan Tabernacle is facing two charges - improper use of a public electronic communications network and causing a grossly offensive message to be sent by means of a public electronic communications network - after the sermon was broadcast online.

The prosecution lawyer said McConnell was "not on trial for his beliefs" but for what he said and for using grossly offensive language.

His words were not "a slip of the tongue," the court heard.

However the defence barrister said McConnell should be recognised for his good works in society and not convicted.

Earlier the pastor had given his defence for over an hour and a half telling the court he did not go to church to "provoke anyone," although he still believed everything he said in his sermon.

"I was attacking the theology of Islam. I was not attacking any individual Muslim," he told the court.

"I didn't realise that good Muslim people would be hurt.

"I didn't go into the church to provoke anyone. I went into church to present the truth."

McConnell previously rejected the opportunity to accept a lesser sentence which would have avoided a court trial.

"If I took that, it would be an insult to the one that I love, for I was standing up for him, for his gospel and for his truth," he explained. "If I took that informed warning that would be me gagged.

"I will take my stand no matter what happens here today," he said before the case began.

The evangelical pastor is supported by DUP MP Sammy Wilson and Catholic priest Patrick McCafferty who appeared as character witness.

The verdict is expected on 5 January.

related articles
Majority of US evangelicals back Israel
Majority of US evangelicals back Israel

Majority of US evangelicals back Israel

Belfast pastor James McConnell says he will go to prison for free speech if necessary
Belfast pastor James McConnell says he will go to prison for free speech if necessary

Belfast pastor James McConnell says he will go to prison for free speech if necessary

78-year-old pastor who called Islam \'satanic\' vows to defend Christian faith, says human freedoms on trial, not him
78-year-old pastor who called Islam 'satanic' vows to defend Christian faith, says human freedoms on trial, not him

78-year-old pastor who called Islam 'satanic' vows to defend Christian faith, says human freedoms on trial, not him

Cameron joins chorus of outrage over Donald Trump\'s call to ban Muslims from US
Cameron joins chorus of outrage over Donald Trump's call to ban Muslims from US

Cameron joins chorus of outrage over Donald Trump's call to ban Muslims from US

Pastor James McConnell on trial for 'satanic Islam' sermon

Pastor James McConnell on trial for 'satanic Islam' sermon

News
Conservatives urge incoming Archbishop to drop £100m slavery reparations
Conservatives urge incoming Archbishop to drop £100m slavery reparations

Should church funds be used for slavery reparations? A group of Conservative MPs and peers think not.

What if the Good Shepherd is closer than you think?
What if the Good Shepherd is closer than you think?

Pastoral care is not a task reserved for a handful of gifted individuals; it is the life of Christ, quietly at work inside ordinary believers.

Anglican Mainstream sees monthly growth despite web hosting suspension
Anglican Mainstream sees monthly growth despite web hosting suspension

Conservative Christian website, Anglican Mainstream, was surprised to see visitor numbers rise after being forced to relocate its website hosting after GoDaddy closed its account.

Missionary turned soldier in Ukraine balances faith with harsh frontline realities
Missionary turned soldier in Ukraine balances faith with harsh frontline realities

A former missionary who is now serving as a soldier in the Ukrainian army has spoken about the realities of faith for a man tasked with killing in defence of his country.