In December 2004, Catch the Fire Ministries Inc (CTFM), Pastor Danny Nalliah and Pastor Daniel Scot were found to have breached the Victorian Racial & Religious Tolerance Act because of comments made in a seminar, newsletter and website article concerning Islam. On 22 June 2005, CTFM and Pastors Nalliah and Scot were ordered to make a public apology in newspapers and on the CTFM website, and to promise never again to repeat similar statements anywhere in Australia. (See “$70,000 ‘apology’ ordered” in the last issue of Life News.)
CTFM, Pastor Danny Nalliah and Pastor Daniel Scot are appealing the decision to the Supreme Court. Melbourne law firm Moores Legal is handling the appeal—they have assembled a team including two barristers (one a Senior Counsel) and lawyers to prepare and conduct the appeal.
The pastors are appealing to Christians throughout Australia to help with the costs of the appeal. A Fighting Fund has been set up and a trust account has been established with their lawyers, Moores Legal, to receive donations.
(The Fighting Fund will be administered in accordance with the Legal Practice Act 1996 (Vic). Contributions received will be held in trust to meet the costs of litigation and any associated costs. Any surplus funds will be applied to litigation concerning similar religious freedom issues.)
If you are able to help, please send your donation to:
Catch the Fire Fighting Fund,
PO Box 340,
Box Hill, Victoria 3128.
Cheques should be made payable to Catch the Fire Fighting Fund.
Donations can also be made by Direct Deposit:
Account name: Catch the Fire Fighting Fund
Account number: 083153 586660144
Bank: National Bank, Box Hill, Victoria 3128.
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