Pastor voices ‘God’s word’ on Jefferson square
BY KERRI TESTEMENT
Kevin Whitman, pastor of the Jefferson Lighthouse Baptist Church, stood in the median of the city square in Jefferson on Friday afternoon and loudly proclaimed God’s Word. And he says his church will stand for his First Amendment right for freedom of speech.
Whitman’s church recently became the center of controversy in Jefferson when it began displaying graphic photos of reportedly aborted fetuses, some of which are near full-term, with crushed heads and dismembered body parts. The church has been doing its “street preaching ministry” in the Jefferson City Square periodically for about 15 years, Whitman said. Typically, church members hand out pamphlets, display signs and preach.
Whitman admits his church members began hearing more complaints from passing motorists when the 40-member congregation started displaying the anti-abortion signs. The pastor said opponents are more upset about the graphic photographs than the sinful act of abortion.
“My response to this is, ‘What about the kids in the pictures?’” Whitman said of the complaints.
On Friday, Jefferson police chief Joseph Wirthman quickly told Whitman he was in violation of the city’s ordinance and issued him a verbal warning. A church member videotaped the conversation and later an interview with a reporter.
Whitman said the church usually videotapes its street preaching ministry, should someone confront church members. The church is following that advice from the Florida-based Christian Law Association, which the church has contacted about the Jefferson ordinance.
The Christian Law Association claims the Jefferson ordinance is unconstitutional for limiting one’s freedom of speech by requiring permits for small group demonstrations that do not disturb the flow of traffic.
Whitman also said the city can’t prohibit speech because someone may react violently to the message. He said the First Amendment protects one’s freedom of speech, even if the message is unpopular.
“Our country was founded on civil disobedience,” Whitman said, while pointing to the acts of Rosa Parks and the “illegal” Boston Tea Party.
Police chief Wirtham said pastor Whitman has a right to say what he wants -- even if he has to yell above the passing traffic in the Jefferson city square.
“It’s not about this church,” Wirtham said after issuing Whitman a verbal warning on Friday. “It’s about ensuring that everyone has the chance to be here.”
Wirtham said the ordinance is intended to protect public safety by scheduling when groups can assemble in the city square. The Jefferson Fire Department was planning to be in the city square on Saturday for a boot drive, he said on Friday afternoon.
Pastor Whitman said the Jefferson Police Department has threatened to arrest him for cruelty to children for the graphic anti-abortion signs, as children in passing vehicles may see the images.
Whitman said his group has also traveled to Atlanta, Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina to demonstrate at gay pride festivals and an Elton John concert. Whitman, who has been pastor of the church for nine years, said Jesus told his followers to preach His word -- even if brings mocking.
The church is not in the city square to bring messages of hate, Whitman said. Instead, church members are preaching the Gospel.
“We’re out here preaching and we’re trying to engage in a conversation,” he added.
“We’re exercising the right of every American to stand on a public street corner and preach the Word of God or give out whatever message somebody might be giving out,” Whitman said.
