Pastors in vilification case await penalty hearing, scheduled for May 2, 2005.

Australia (MNN) — Religious freedom is under fire in Australia.

In December, Pastors Danny Nalliah and Daniel Scot with Catch the Fire Ministries were convicted of vilifying Islam during a seminar on Islam that was held in March of 2002. They were pronounced guilty under the Victoria Racial and Religious Tolerance Act of 2001.

Their penalty hearing will be on May 2nd. The Islamic Council of Victoria has been asked to submit documents detailing what they want as a penalty, and then Catch the Fire Ministries and the pastors will respond in writing to the penalty requests.

The court explained the basis of what they could ask for, including, an apology, an order regarding future conduct (possibily involving speaking and writing), and an order that the court files be closed or supressed.

For links to documents relating to the case and a full transcript of the seminar, go to http://www.religionlaw.co.uk and click on International, then Australia.

Pray that God will give wisdom and grace to both pastors as they await the hearing. Pray also for Christians in Australia and how the outcome will affect religious freedom.