Hill Country Chronicle

Representative Chip Roy (TX-21) has issued a statement expressing his relief and joy over the "not guilty" verdict in the trial of Finnish M.P. Päivi Räsänen and Bishop Juhana Pohjola. The two were facing charges for sharing their Christian faith through tweets and a church pamphlet on marriage.

In his statement, Rep. Roy emphasizes the significance of this verdict in upholding the unalienable rights protected by the Constitution and cherished by people of faith around the world. He asserts that a guilty verdict would have amounted to the criminalization of Christianity and would have had far-reaching consequences for religious freedom in Europe and the foundations of Western Civilization.

Rep. Roy expresses his gratitude for the verdict, attributing it to the courage of Päivi Räsänen and Bishop Pohjola in defending the Gospel. He also acknowledges the efforts of organizations such as Alliance Defending Freedom International and the Family Research Council for their hard work and advocacy on this case.

The trial of Räsänen and Pohjola had garnered international attention as it raised concerns about the freedom of religious expression and the potential for persecution of Christians. The "not guilty" verdict is seen as a significant victory for religious freedom and underscores the importance of protecting the rights of individuals to freely practice their faith.

With the conclusion of this trial, it is hoped that the case will serve as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding religious freedom and upholding the principles enshrined in the Constitution. The outcome reaffirms the fundamental rights of individuals to express their religious beliefs without fear of persecution or legal repercussions.

In a time when religious freedom is increasingly under threat around the world, the exoneration of Räsänen and Pohjola sends a powerful message that the right to practice one's faith should be protected and respected. It serves as a reminder that the freedom of religion is a cornerstone of democratic societies and should be upheld and celebrated.

As Rep. Roy concludes his statement, he expresses his gratitude to God for the verdict and praises the courage of those who stood up for their beliefs. The "not guilty" verdict in the "Bible trial" is indeed a victory for religious freedom and a testament to the resilience of individuals who are committed to defending their faith.

To find out more, go to this link: https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-roy-issues-statement-after-finnish-christians-found-not-guilty-bible-trial