Walter Hoye, a pro-life Baptist pastor from Oakland, California faces up to two years in jail and $4000 in fines following his conviction on two counts of “unlawful approach” in violation of Oakland’s restrictive new ‘bubble law.’ His attorneys say they plan to appeal.
Hoye had initially been charged with four counts of violating the ordinance – two counts of “unlawful approach” and two counts of using “force, threat of force or physical obstruction” against ‘escorts’ at Family Planning Specialists Clinic in Oakland. The charges stemmed from two separate incidents – one on April 29, 2008 and one on May 13, 2008. Hoye was arrested on May 13 after a clinic staff member called police. He was carrying a 40-inch sign that read, “Jesus Loves You & Your Baby. Let Us Help You,” and attempting to hand out pro-life literature.
A regular fixture at the clinic and an outspoken opponent of the “bubble law,” Hoye had challenged the constitutionality of the ordinance in a federal lawsuit pre-dating his arrest. He had become a top target for the clinic staff.
Alameda Superior Court Judge Stuart Hing dismissed one count of using “force, threat of force or physical obstruction” before the trial got under way on Jan. 5. After deliberating for about two days, the jury found Hoye guilty on Thursday, Jan. 15, of two counts of “unlawful approach,” but not guilty on the remaining “threat of force” count.
Judge Stuart Hing in Oakland is scheduled to sentence the Rev. Walter Hoye this Thursday, Feb. 19, at 1:30 p.m. — for his pro-life sidewalk counseling. The Voice magazine is summoning all Christians to pray for him, right now.
I was trying to find out the outcome of brother Hoye. My family and I have been praying for him since I found out about this on Tuesday. I sent a letter to the district attorney’s office about looking into this case and filing charges against the woman at the clinic. We will continue to pray.
That court room in Oakland should have been packed with protesting Christians !
RIGHT HERE IN AMERICA by Larry Norman
There are Christians in Russia, they meet underground,
In China they’re killed when they’re found.
And in Cuba the Christians live up in the hills
Because it’s not safe in the towns.
And to think it might happen right here in America,
I know you think it’s not true,
But it’s happening to Christians right here in America,
Wait ’til it happens to you.
The Christians in Berkeley are passing out Bibles
And food to the hungry
They’re hoping to help out the people this way.
But there are threats of the lives
Of their leaders and wives,
They’re not welcome to stay.
And to think it might happen right here in America,
Maybe you think it’s not true,
If you it’s not happening to Christians right here in America,
Wait ’til it happens to you.
There’s an underground church and it’s following Jesus
And hoping to meet people’s needs
But we don’t have the time to build nice little churches,
Besides we don’t need to -
We’re holding our church in the streets.
And we are passing out leaflets and underground pamphlets
From Buffalo to Monterey
And we’re talkin’ ’bout Jesus and all of a sudden
We’re arrested and taken away.
So I ask you, America, where do you stand?
Your people are starving, they’re beaten and they’re raped
And they’re dying in jail cells, so what are your plans?
I’m not talking to congress or you politicians
Or Panthers or Muslims or Nixon or Birch,
I’m addressing this song to the church.
‘Cause I’ve been in your churches and sat in your pews
And heard sermons on just how much money you’ll need for the year.
And I’ve heard you make reference to Mexicans, Chinamen,
Niggers and Jews
And I gather you wish we would all disappear.
And you call yourselves Christians, when really you’re not,
You’re living your life as you please.
If you’re really a Christina, then put down yourself
And follow wherever God leads.
I’m not talkin’ religion, I’m talkin’ ’bout Jesus,
Put all your plans on the shelf,
Let’s stop marching for peace, and start marching for Jesus
And peace will take care of itself.
Well, I pray that we Christians will get off our sofas
And stand up for what we believe
The time is too short, and Christ is returning
We’d better get ready to leave.
We who are Christians should turn on the light,
So the truth will shine bright as the day
Jesus will come like a thief in the night,
And he’ll steal all who love him away.
There are Christians in Russia, they meet underground,
In China they’re killed when they’re found.
And in Cuba the Christians live up in the hills
Because it’s not safe in the towns.
And to think it might happen right here in America,
I see you shaking your heads and I hear you saying
It just can’t be true.
But it’s happened to me right here in America,
Wait ’til it happens to you
I am also anxiously waiting to hear the outcome of the trial. (!!) Any more news?
Here is the link to the sentencing of Rev. Hoye. God Help America!
http://lldf.org/articles/Press_Rel_090219_Walter_Hoye_Sentenced
Here is another link concerning today’s sentencing of Walter Hoye at http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/02/19/BAHE161AL3.DTL and I am trying to be thankful that it was not the maximum sentence that could have been imposed. However, there should have been NONE imposed because (1) God’s laws are higher than man’s laws, and (2) Hoye did not harm anyone nor make any threats to anyone. Continue to pray and support Hoye’s leadership against the killing of unborn children, and also for his legal team in their efforts to strike down the Oakland law as unconstitutional. Thank you, Pastor Hoye, for your commitment to help pregnant women rethink their decision to abort and to remind them lovingly of other alternatives!