This Is Justice? Part II
— Posted by John (March 24, 2009 at 1:00 pm)
Last month I wrote about the case of Pastor Walter Hoye, who was facing charges of “unlawfully approaching patients” at an abortion clinic in Oakland, CA for holding a sign saying “Jesus loves you and your baby. Let us help you!“, and asking women, “May I talk to you about alternatives to the clinic?”
At a hearing on Friday, Pastor Hoye was given a choice: he could either go to jail for 30 days, or else he could avoid jail by being part of a sheriff’s work detail or community service — but if he did so, he would also have to agree to stay 100 yards away from the abortion clinic.
He chose jail, and while he was led out of the courtroom by sheriff’s deputies, his supporters clapped and shouted, “We love you, Walter!”
Jill Stanek posted this e-mail from Pastor Hoye’s wife Lori yesterday:
I have visited Walter twice (Saturday and Sunday) and he is in good spirits and physically safe and sound. The Lord has placed him in what is known as the “Bible Corner” and at the time of my first visit on Saturday (Walter arrived at around 4:30am) Walter had already been in Bible study with some of the men in his unit. On Sunday just prior to my visit Walter had led one man to Christ. God is truly blessing Walter’s presence in Santa Rita, and many men are seeking his counsel about their lives and situations. Walter requested prayer for wisdom while he is in Santa Rita and clarity from the Lord to continue to do His will upon his release.
If you would like to write or visit Walter here is the information:
Walter B. Hoye II
PFN# BGR852
Santa Rita Jail
5325 Broder Blvd.
Dublin, CA 94568-3309
I just wrote Pastor Hoye a letter of support, and I hope you will too.
“Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you (falsely) because of me.” —Matthew 5:12
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TheSingingZombie says:
The laws Hoye objects to and breaks were written because of right-to-life terror and near-terror.
I wonder whether Hoye’s thinking would be different if he had to work behind bullet-proof glass.
It is NOT unreasonable to fear that someone who invokes jesus near an abortion clinic may be crazy or dangerous.
Comment posted March 24th, 2009 at 3:19 pm
craig says:
TheSingingZombie:
Seriously, there is not terror caused by the people praying at abortion clinics, I pray at one all the time and have never seen them doing anything violent or “terror-like”. The real terror is what is going on inside the clinic, where babies are being teared apart and women are scarred for life.
Do you really think it is reasonable to fear this man? I would fear the doctors that the women are going to see. What’s so dangerous about someone who invokes the name of Jesus in an effort to try and help the women going in?
Most of the women going in do not want to make the choice of aborting thier babies, and are looking for help and other real choices. These are available from the people praying outside.
Comment posted March 24th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
s fane says:
Walter and Family,
My prayers are with you. I live in IL and we are praying for you. I’m hoping to get your name in the bulletin so the whole church can pray for you! You took a brave stance in opting for long-term freedom, in order to continue in your ministry, by accepting a jail term
rather than compromise. I hope that this will be a beacon to other clerics.
I believe it will.
Matt. (5:14)
Comment posted March 28th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
Kelly says:
its harrasment… its just
Comment posted April 1st, 2010 at 6:49 am