ADVERTISING
Kingdom values have helped bring radical transformation in society precisely when Christians understood their calling to be salt and light in the public square.
The court in Izmir has decided to keep the US Protestant in jail until the next hearing, in October.
Police officers in front of the court where the hearing in the Andrew Brunson case was held, on July 18. / Agencies
Andrew Brunson, the US Pastor that has been serving in the Protestant Resurrection Church in the city of Izmir (Turkey) for more than 20 years, will continue in prison for at least 3 more months.
The decision was taken by the Second High Penal Court of Izmir, after the hearing held today, 18th July. Brunson has been charged with terrorism, spionage and having links with the Fetullah Güllen movement and the Kurdish Party PKK.
The court ruled that it it will listen to more testimonies in the next hearing, on the 12th of October.
Pastor Andrew Brunson.As in previous occasions, the pastor's wife, Norine Brunson, attended the hearing.
As in previous hearings, Andrew Brunson has denied all charges and insisted that he never cooperated with the coup against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in July 2016.
“It is really hard to stay in jail and be separated from my wife and children”, Brunson, wearing a black suit and a white shirt, told the court in Turkish, Reuters reported.
“There is no concrete evidence against me. The disciples of Jesus suffered in his name, now it is my turn. I am an innocent man on all these charges. I reject them. I know why I am here. I am here to suffer in Jesus’s name”, he added.
The accusation against Brunson is based on the testimonies of secret witnesses.
According to Turkish media outlet Hürriyet Daily News, Philip Kosnett, U.S. charge d’affaires in Turkey, said Brunson’s case was a critical one for the United States and had ramifications for its relationship with Turkey. “The sooner Andrew Brunson can be reunited with his family the sooner we can start focusing on other issues in the relationship,” he has been quoted as saying.
US President Donald Trump and other officials have repeatedly called for Andrew Brunson's release.
Top leaders of the European Union and the UN have also described the trial as unjust.
Andrew Brunson has been imprisoned since October 2016, and will have spent 2 years in prison when the next hearing is held.
Many commentators believe this to be the flower that Solomon referred to as “the lily of the valley” in the Song of Songs.
Ruth Valerio: A lifestyle that cares about creation
Are Christians called to make a difference in environmental care? What has creation care to do with "loving our neighbours"? An interview with the Global Advocacy and Influencing Director of Tearfund.
Julia Doxat-Purser: 25 years of EEA office in Brussels
An interview with the socio-political representative of the European Evangelical Alliance about how evangelical Christians work at the heart of the European Union.
Lars Dahle: Nominal Christianity, a mission field for the church
An interview with Lars Dahle, of the Steering Committee of the Lausanne Movement Global Consultation on Nominal Christianity held in Rome.
Testimony: Wildfires near Athens
Nico Spies, a Christian worker in Athens, gives details about the wildfires in Greece.
Arie de Pater: Refugees deserve a fair and efficient process
The Brussels representative of the European Evangelical Alliance offers a Christian perspective on the crisis: “We can’t reduce people to just a number that needs to be controlled”.
IFES World Assembly: ‘Messengers of Hope’
Students, graduates and staff of the global evangelical student movement reflected together on how the books of Luke and Acts apply to today's universities.
Christians at work - the missing link in fulfilling the Great Commission
Photos of the Lausanne Movement Global Workplace Forum, celebrated in Manila.
European Freedom Network Bridge 2019 conference
Images of the fifth EFN gathering. Experts, activists, counsellors and church leaders met in Pescara, Italy.
Glimpses of the ELF 2019 conference
Evangelical leaders from across Europe meet in Wisla (Poland) to network for mission in a range of fields. The vision is to renew the biblical church and evangelise Europe.
‘Small churches, big potential for transformation’
Photos of the Spanish Evangelical Alliance’s annual gathering “Idea 2019”, in Murcia. Politicians and church leaders discussed about the role of minorities in society.
How has Christianity influenced the modern world?
Paul Copan, Chair of Philosophy and Ethics of Palm Beach Atlantic University, explains how many key features of Western civilization, are the legacy of the biblical faith being lived out by believers in society.
Chinese Homecoming Gathering: Thousands say 'we’re one'
Christians from China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and North America, from different ethnic backgronds, came together to pray for unity as the body of Christ.
How have global missions changed over the last century?
The centre of gravity of Christianity has shifted from Europe to Africa, says Nana Yaw Offei Awuku, Director of the Lausanne Younger Leaders Generation initiative.
Christian organisations call to pray for new British Prime Minister
Representatives of the National Day of Prayer, the Evangelical Alliance and CARE express the need for churches to pray for the new leadership of a country divided by Brexit and other issues.
GWF in Manila: “Kingdom building requires global collaboration”
850 from 108 countries met for the Global Workplace Forum, June 25-29. The gathering was organised by the Lausanne Movement. “Every workplace is a place of ministry”.
Opinions expressed are those of their respective contributors and do not necessarily represent the views of Evangelical Focus.
If you want to comment, or