Canada

The Voice of the Martyrs Prepares to Assist in Legal Defense Funding to Christian Printer

 Scott Brockie

 Scott Brockie

In the first time in the mission's 35-year history, The Voice of the Martyrs in Canada is providing an opportunity to assist in a case in their own country. The mission has just passed a project intended to provide assistance to Scott Brockie, a Canadian printer who was fined $5,000 in 1999 by the Ontario Human Rights Commission for refusing to print business cards and letterhead for the Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives, citing his religious beliefs as a Bible-believing Christian. A recent decision by the Ontario Court of Appeal overturned an earlier decision awarding Brockie $25,000 in legal costs. He now owes $40,000 in legal fees. In total, his defense has cost Brockie $170,000. He does not plan to appeal his case to the Supreme Court.

In recent meetings with VOM staff, Mr. Brockie was clearly uncomfortable with any perceived parallel between his situation and that faced by persecuted Christians in restricted nations around the world. "They are the real martyrs, not me" he said. Throughout his ordeal, The Voice of the Martyrs monitored his case and actively urged advocacy and prayer on his behalf. "We recognize, as Scott does, that we cannot really draw a clear parallel between the persecution facing Christians in Saudi Arabia or Pakistan and what believers face here in Canada without depreciating the sacrifice of our brothers and sisters in restricted nations," said VOM spokesman, Glenn Penner. "On the other hand, it is important that we not ignore disturbing trends in our own country. In our opinion, there is no question that these legal fees are the direct consequence of Mr. Brockie's Christian convictions."

To assist Mr. Brockie with his legal defense expenses, The Voice of the Martyrs has agreed to make funds available through their "Legal Defense Fund." Those who wish to contribute to Mr. Brockie's legal expenses can make donations to this fund and receive a tax-deductible receipt. Donations can be made online (click here).

Continue to pray that Canadian Christians will continue to stand firm in their opposition to legitimizing homosexual practice. As Brockie told VOM staff, "This might well be the issue that calls the Church (in Canada) to be the salt and light that we are called to be."

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