| |
As a result of WCU's August 28, 1999
demonstration at the Mazomanie nude beach, Pastor Ralph Ovadal has been
charged with disorderly conduct. On February 11, Pastor Ovadal met with an
assistant Dane County District Attorney in a pre-trial conference. During
the meeting, the D.A. refused to give Pastor Ovadal copies of the
arresting officers' reports saying, "Maybe we'll give them to you
later if we feel kind." He also sneeringly asked several times,
"Where are your followers? I would think your followers would be
here." The purpose of a pre-trial conference is to attempt to settle
the case in question out of court. But instead of offering an out-of-court
settlement, the D.A. smirked, "Here's my offer. You pay the entire
ticket plus court costs."
When informed by Pastor Ovadal that he intended to go
to trial and to jail if necessary, the D.A. then asked him which day of
the week would work best for a trial. Pastor Ovadal responded that either
Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday would be fine.
This past Saturday, Pastor Ovadal received notice that
his trial is scheduled for Good Friday afternoon!
"Every calendar I have ever seen clearly identifies Good Friday.
I do not believe that this trial date is any coincidence. In fact, I
believe that it is a blatant attempt to insure that Christians will not
attend the trial, the media coverage will be minimal, and the public will
be preoccupied with weekend activities. It is also an astounding display
of arrogance and disrespect for Christians everywhere. For several years,
the District Attorney's office has pandered and protected the nudists at
Mazo beach. Now they chose Good Friday to put a pastor on trial for
protecting children and upholding state law, reminding us once again of
the words of Christ: 'If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me
before it hated you.'"
Pastor Ralph Ovadal, Director, Wisconsin Christians United
For more information, call (608)328-4841.
|
|
