Pastor Brunson Remains in Custody

Andrew Brunson - Photo: World Watch Monitor www.worldwatchmonitor.org
Andrew Brunson
Photo: World Watch Monitor

Despite the hopes of many around the world that Pastor Andrew Brunson would be released from custody after his latest hearing on July 17th, a judge ruled that he is to remain at least until his next hearing on October 12th.

Pastor Brunson, an American who served the Izmir Resurrection Church for more than 20 years, is facing allegations of conspiring to overthrow the government and espionage. Officials claim that he has been conspiring with a Muslim cleric who is living in exile in the United States. For more information on this case, visit this page.

This recent hearing was the first to allow testimony from a defence witness. Pastor Brunson was also allowed to answer those who were testifying against him. In fact, one of the opponents surprisingly spoke in favour of the imprisoned pastor. Despite this, according to a witness at the trial, "It felt like they had decided the outcome before the trial." Please continue to remember Pastor Brunson and his wife Norine in your prayers.

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    Population
    83,593,483 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Turkish (70-75), Kurdish (19), other minorities (7-12)

    Religion (%)
    Islam (99.8), other (0.2)

    Leader
    President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (2014)

    Government type
    Parliamentary republic

    Legal system
    Civil law system derived from various European continental legal systems

    Sources: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Turkey

    Prayerfully uphold those who have had their churches and places of worship taken over by a government that does not represent their beliefs, values or ordinances. Ask the Lord to oversee the mediation process as church officials and government representatives endeavour to work out a solution that is both honouring to Him and fair to all the members of the various churches. Despite the challenges experienced by the believers of this country, may they have a sense of God's reassuring presence and peace, knowing that one day He will reign supremely and justly over the entire earth.

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Türkiye Videos

 
Turkey: Andrew Brunson's Testimony
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Turkey: God’s Hostage, the imprisonment of Andrew Brunson
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Turkey: Malatya Martyrs
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