Firm Foundation

The Foundation for Moral Law announced yesterday that it has agreed to defend evangelist Michael Marcavage of the evangelistic organization Repent America against the misdemeanor charges filed against him for preaching in a Salem, Mass. public square on Halloween night, Oct. 31, 2007.

Even though Salem’s laws allow the use of speech amplification until 10:00 p.m., Salem police officers on Halloween night confiscated Mr. Marcavage’s megaphone at 8:30 p.m., threw him to the ground, and arrested him on charges of allegedly violating the noise ordinance and “disorderly conduct”—all for calmly preaching the gospel to a large crowd of Halloween revelers.

See the video of Mr. Marcavage’s arrest here. 

As is evident from the video, Salem—home of the historic, colonial ”Witch Trials“—takes its Halloween celebrations as seriously as New Orleans does Mardi Gras.  “Witch City” is a popular place on October 31, so it’s not surprising that Mr. Marcavage’s message was both necessary and generally unwanted by the revelers.

But we should expect more from the police officers.  In a public square full of loud party-goers, street performers, and bars blaring music into the streets, the Salem police targeted only Mr. Marcavage and his gospel message. Although the law men were not on his side, the law itself is.  We look forward to pursuing justice for Mr. Marcavage and defending his right to freely preach the gospel.

About this case, Judge Moore said:

“Michael Marcavage believes he is called by God to preach a message of repentance and forgiveness of sin. He is just as free to preach that message in Salem, Mass., as the Halloween party-goers are free to listen to, disagree with, or ignore him. Instead of protecting his rights to free speech and freedom of religion, however, the Salem police decided to shut Mr. Marcavage up by unlawfully arresting and charging him. It seems that the days of ‘witch hunts’ are not over in Salem.”

The next court hearing in this case is scheduled in Salem District Court for January 23, 2008. If the case is not dismissed, a trial will most likely be scheduled within the next month or so. Stay tuned here for updates.

Note: I will be discussing this case with Pastor Wiley Drake on his radio program today at 12:30 EST.  Listen online here.