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Reverend
Jailed for Quoting Scripture
Minister Edward Pinkney Charged with Threatening a
Judge with Words from
Bible Verses
 Reverend Edward Pinkney of
Benton Harbor, Michigan, spent Christmas in jail this year when his
probation was revoked for quoting Deuteronomy 28 in a newspaper
article. On Thursday, December 20, Judge Alfred Butzbaugh ruled that
the quotation from Moses was inflammatory and threatening and therefore
a violation of Rev. Pinkney’s probation.
Rev. Pinkney is a longtime community leader in the Benton Harbor area
and an outspoken opponent of corporate oppression of the poor. He was
convicted earlier this year of “voter fraud” in a hotly
contested trial that many viewed as racially motivated and riddled with
constitutional irregularities.
Judge Butzbaugh has made the profound error of confusing Biblical law
and prophecy with human threats. Without exception, the role of
Biblical law and prophecy is to point out the very serious divine
consequences for sinful and disobedient behavior.
In his newspaper article, Rev. Pinkney stated that he believes the
Judge’s actions are contrary to God’s commandments. He then
quotes from Deuteronomy 28: 15-16, 18, 22, and 45 to warn him of the
consequences of his actions according to the Word of God. (The article
appeared in the November issue of the Peoples Tribune.
At no time did Rev. Pinkney state, suggest, or imply that he, Rev.
Pinkney, would commit any of these actions. Indeed, the idea that a
human being can cause another to be cursed by God or to be smitten with
consumption, fever, and inflammation is a far-fetched and bizarre
interpretation.
Furthermore, Rev. Pinkney clearly states that none of these evils will
come to pass if Judge Butzbaugh “hearkens unto the voice of the
Lord thy God to observe and do all that is right.” So if Judge
Butzbaugh is obedient to God he has nothing to worry about.
The Mosaic law and virtually every prophet in the Bible – Isaiah,
Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Jonah to name a few – repeatedly predict
dire consequences for those who disobey God. Even Jesus often uses
highly inflammatory language and warns us starkly to “repent or
perish”. The Apostle Paul teaches that we will reap what we sow.
These are profound Biblical truths.
To throw someone in jail for simply pointing them out is a fearful assault on the religious rights of every American.
We are asking anyone concerned with the religious freedom aspect of
this case write letters of support for Rev. Pinkney and send them to
his attorney at the following address before January 4:
Hugh M. Davis, Constitutional Litigation Associates, P.C., 450 West
Fort Street, Suite 200, Detroit, Michigan, 48226. Phone: 313-961-2255;
Fax: 313-961-5999; email: conlitpc@sbcglobal.net
We also especially encourage Biblical scholars who can further explain
the issues in this case and would like to testify or write a support
statement to contact the attorney as well.
Sandy Perry
CHAM Deliverance Ministry
San Jose, California
Source: BANCO
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