Police in Rockford, Illinois, have confiscated a picture of Jesus from a pro-life sidewalk counselor.
Counselor Kevin Rilott says pro-life demonstrators asked the police for assistance, citing an ordinance barring offensive displays in public buildings. He says the abortion clinic where the counselors pray and try to rescue babies is known nationally for sacrilegious displays in its windows -- including a picture of Jesus making an obscene gesture. "A particular officer who did not find the picture of Jesus in the clinic window offensive took offense at the beautiful picture of Jesus that I was carrying," says Rilott. "It was leaning against a stool I sit on, and the first thing the officer did that morning was order me to turn off my video camera." When Rilott complied, the officer confiscated his picture of Jesus. But the incident had no dampening effect on the counselors, explains Rilott. "[The next day] we had about double the number of people out there praying that we usually do," he shares. "So the more they try and silence us and stop the message of Christ's love for all people, the more Christians stand up and are willing to be counted." Rilott notes that the police in Rockford have been less than helpful when it comes to the sidewalk counselors. In fact, in two instances in which pro-lifers were being assaulted, it took police 20 minutes and one hour respectively to respond.
If you believe OneNewsNow.com is an important source for Christian news, please consider a small tax-deductible gift for this service.
