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UK pastor on trial over Islam sermon

A 78-year-old Belfast preacher is facing court accused of calling Islam "satanic" and "heathen".

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Source: AAP


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An evangelical preacher accused of branding Islam "satanic" and "heathen" in an online sermon is going on trial in Belfast.

Pastor James McConnell faces two charges connected to a controversial speech he made from the pulpit of his church last year.

McConnell, 78, from Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, is being prosecuted under the 2003 Communications Act.

He faces two charges - improper use of a public electronic communications network and causing a grossly offensive message to be sent by means of a public electronic communications network.

The remarks made at Whitewell Metropolitan Tabernacle in north Belfast were streamed online.

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The evangelical fundamentalist denies the charges.

Hundreds of Christian supporters have accompanied the veteran churchman to court for pre-trial hearings.


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