26th July 2006

AUSTRALIAN PRAYER NETWORK NEWSLETTER

* FREEDOM OF SPEECH COURT APPEAL TO BE HEARD NEXT MONTH

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FREEDOM OF SPEECH COURT APPEAL TO BE HEARD NEXT MONTH

Editors comment: For the past several years the Australian Prayer Network has kept you informed of developments in the case brought by the Islamic Council of Victoria against two Christian Pastors, Danny Nalliah and Daniel Scot in what has become a well known case across the world. The case was first decided in favour of the Islamic Council of Victoria however an appeal against that decision will be heard by the Victorian Court of Appeal commencing Monday 21st August.

We have strongly supported the two Pastors during that time and again now we are pleased to stand with them as they face what could be a defining decision for our nation should the Court uphold the original decision. Should they loose their appeal the ramifications for the Christian faith in Australia could be enormous. We are therefore opening our newsletter to allow Pastor Danny Nalliah to announce the launching of an appeal to raise funds to cover the costs of the appeal hearing. Please prayerfully consider his appeal and respond as the Lord leads you.

A LETTER FROM PASTOR DANNY NALLIAH

Dear Pastors, Leaders and Faithful Supporters,Re: Islamic Council of Victoria Inc v Catch the Fire Ministries Inc – Appeal to Victorian Court of AppealSUNDAY AUGUST 6th 2006 – DESIGNATED “SPECIAL APPEAL OFFERING” DAYHere at Catch The Fire, we are continually thanking God for the way He has enabled the liberty we are fighting for in our current court case (the right for freedom of speech) to awaken the Church across our nation of Australia.It is incredible how it has also impacted many other nations globally, causing this vital issue to resound on the lips of concerned people – both within the Church and society at large. Here in Australia the States of NSW, WA, & SA have benefited from our stand – and many federal politicians have encouraged us by speaking out publicly.May I inform you of the current position of our Appeal – but before I do, SUNDAY AUGUST 6th 2006 has been designated as “a special offering for Appeal expenses” day and the reason for this becomes clear as you read on.We begin in August 2005, when the Victorian Court of Appeal gave us leave to appeal against the decision of Judge Higgins. In December last year, the Register of the Court of Appeal provided Directions in relation to the filing and service of the Appeal Book. The Appeal Book contains copies of the documents which are relevant to the appeal.Our lawyers completed this task and filed the Appeal Books with the Registrar as required on February 20th 2006. Four copies of the Appeal Books were filed. Each copy contains approximately 4,000 pages of documents including the transcript of relevant parts of the evidence of the VCAT hearing, copies of the relevant Exhibits, including witness statements and the documents which have been filed in this Appeal. At the same time, three copies of the Appeal Book were served on the lawyers acting on behalf of the Islamic Council as required by court rules.Our lawyers have recently been advised that the Appeal has been listed for hearing on Monday 21st August 2006. The matter has been allocated two days of hearing. The Appeal will primarily proceed by way of detailed written submission which will be supported by oral argument. The Appeal will be heard by three Judges.Our Legal Team is now commencing the final preparation for the hearing of the Appeal in August. We have been advised that the costs of preparing for, and the hearing of the Appeal will be approx. $165,000.00, including GST.

(PO Box 7427, Dandenong 3175)

Thank you to those who have already given, we are continually grateful. Any further help you may be able to give will be much appreciated. Thank you for your continued support in every way.Yours in Kingdom Service,Pastor Danny NalliahCatch the Fire Ministries Inc.

Source: Catch The Fire Ministries

http://www.ausprayernet.org.au/