Photo by Hutaree

No connection between ministry and Christian militia

Nine members of the Michigan-based Hutaree Christian militia group face sedition and weapons charges, reports MNN.

According to the U.S. Justice Department, the group was planning to kill a law enforcement officer, then attack the funeral procession with explosives.

The group drew much of its cult-like substance from the events described in the Book of the Revelation and the end times. As a result, according to the indictment, they seemed to see local and state police as "foot soldiers" for the federal government, the "New World Order."

The group's name means "Christian Warriors," and they have a martyr's complex. Todd Nettleton with Voice of the Martyrs says, "We have not had any connection with this organization. We do not have any contact with any member of this organization. This is simply a situation where they put a link to us on their Web site."

VOM wants to tell the stories of the persecuted church, so they have an open link policy. That doesn't mean, however, that they endorse the group using the link. In fact, VOM functions on a different mission from the Hutaree cult. "The Voice of the Martyrs has never advocated violence. In fact, the Christians that we serve around the world respond to persecution with forgiveness."

In a release, VOM notes, "While we understand that all are innocent until proven guilty and wait for results of the legal process, we want to clearly state that violence is not an acceptable response to religious differences."

WOM also observes that Christians who survived the slaughter in Jos, Nigeria do not advocate a violent response; they are not calling Christians to take up arms or to provide them with weapons. Instead, they offer love and forgiveness to those who attack them, in the hope of representing Christ's love and living out the Gospel message.

It is that message that keeps doors open for communication. One of the ways VOM invites Christians in the free world into that fellowship is through their Web site, www.persecution.com. VOM web policy allows any person or group to place a link to persecution.com on their Web site if they would like to inform others about the persecution of Christians.

Such a link does not imply that VOM has any direct contact or partnership with the owners of the site. VOM policy is that the ministry does "trade links" to outside ministries or organizations on persecution.com.

As a result of the terrorism charges and other extremist views being reported on this group, scrutiny is close. As the story unfolds, numerous media reports are portraying Christians as terrorists.

What does this scenario bode for the future of Christians sharing or practicing their faith? Nettleton says, "If we live out the example of Christ, if we live out His love and forgiveness in our communities, that's what we can control. We can't control what else happens."

The Voice of the Martyrs exists to provide practical and spiritual support to persecuted Christians in restricted nations, while inviting Christians in the free world into fellowship with them.

VOM's founder, Richard Wurmbrand, encouraged Christians to love everyone--even their "enemies"--with the hope that by doing so, their hearts might be softened toward the Gospel message of Christ.

SALE! 40% OFF! How to Be Happier 7 Days a Week

TAGS: USA Hutaree Christian militia group weapons charges New World Order Christian Warriors Voice of the Martyrs Hutaree cult

[03/31/2010]

Print Version