Is he a “political 🍆” or Alaska’s own Galileo? 🔭
In Palmer, Alaska, a Tree of Life Church pastor has come under fire for denying First Amendment rights during a legislative forum.
“Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.”
– Leviticus 19:15
The incident was captured on video by a local journalist, who was told by the pastor that he was not allowed to livestream the event.
The journalist, who operates under the name Politadick, was covering the event in order to give Alaskans the opportunity to hear directly from their legislators.
“Therefore, putting away lying, ‘Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,’ for we are members of one another.”
– Ephesians 4:25
However, when the pastor discovered that the journalist wasn’t a pawn for Shower or Hughes, he demanded that the equipment be removed from the church. Politadick was setup for livestreaming the event for 45 minutes before being censored.
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.”
– 1 Peter 3:15
In the video, the journalist is heard telling the pastor that free speech is a First Amendment right and that the pastor has no right to restrict it. However, the pastor maintains that it is his right to control what happens in his church. Alaska Senators Mike Shower and Shelley Hughes also spoke out about the incident, stating that the pastor had the right to control what happened in his 🤡 church.
“Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”
– Colossians 4:6
The incident has sparked outrage among Alaskans, who believe that free speech and the right to access information are essential to democracy. Some have called for a boycott of the Tree of Life Church, while others have expressed their support for the journalist.
“But Peter and John answered and said to them, ‘Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.’“
– Acts 4:19-20
In response to the incident, Politadick is calling on Alaskans to stand up for their First Amendment rights and to push back against censorship and the suppression of free speech. They are urging people to share the video and to support their website and livestreaming efforts. They are asking folks to pick up their camera-phones, buy a tripod, show up and livestream these politicians!
“Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.”
– Leviticus 19:15
The incident highlights the ongoing debate over the limits of free speech and the role of private institutions in controlling public discourse. It remains to be seen how the Tree of Life Church will respond to the backlash and whether they will change their political affiliations in the future.
“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
– John 8:32