Trial Starts for Preachers Arrested Outside Pro-Homosexual Celebration

by Allie Martin
January 8, 2004

(AgapePress) - A trial begins today for four ministers arrested in Philadelphia while preaching outside of a "gay pride" celebration event.

Jim Lymon, a New York evangelist, and Pennsylvania pastors Jim Grove, Stephen Garisto, and Michael Marcavage were arrested last July and charged with disorderly conduct and defiant trespass while evangelizing on a public street outside of "PrideFest" -- an annual homosexual, bisexual, and transgendered event. The day-long event featured various activities, including the sale of pornographic materials, public nudity, and open lewdness.

Marcavage says all four ministers cooperated with police but were arrested simply for preaching the gospel.

"There was no unlawful thing that we were doing. We were just out there talking to people," Marcavage explains. "We had a lot of good discussions going, and it was very unfortunate that this would come about -- but you come to expect that when you're on the front lines. When you're dealing with people in a public forum, the police become more aggressive."

In Marcavage's opinion, the arrests underscore the need for spiritual awakening in America. He says what he and the others are involved in "is a spiritual battle" -- and that without the prayers of fellow believers, it is difficult to continue to stand against the opposition.

"In this battle, more and more opposition [emerges] when we're out there and we're trying to witness for Christ," he explains. "We're trying come against evil in our communities, to say 'No, Satan, we're not going to allow you to invade our communities anymore.'"

Despite that opposition, Marcavage promises to continue preaching the gospel and to do what is right -- "to stand on God's truth." Grove, Garisto, and Marcavage were jailed until the event was over. Lymon, the first to be arrested, was cited and released.