He addressed Christian convention despite police request
William Lee, the U.S.-based evangelist, who went into hiding after police spotted him violating visa norms by addressing a gospel convention in the city on Wednesday, was arrested and produced before the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court-I here on Saturday. He was remanded in judicial custody till October 18.
Mr. Lee arrived on a multiple-entry tourist visa, which was valid till March 20, 2012.
Following information that he would be addressing the convention named ‘Musical Splash 2011,' organised by the Thiruvalla-based Faith Leaders Church of God at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kaloor here, police officials landed at the venue and asked him not to do so.
Even though the organisers accepted the request, Mr. Lee addressed the gathering soon after senior police officials left the scene. When the police team reassembled, Mr. Lee left by the back entrance of the stage and managed to give the police the slip.
The police team rushed to the hotel where he was staying, but he had left by then. Subsequently, police registered a case at Palarivattom police station, under which the stadium came, against Mr. Lee and also against Roy Daniel, Daniel Mathew and James George, organisers of the show, on charges of abetment.
Three teams of the City Police were assigned to track the evangelist and organisers, who went missing immediately after the incident. The police finally traced Mr. Lee to a prominent city hotel by Saturday morning. He was arrested by 8.30 a.m. The three others, against whom cases have been registered, were still to be traced. Police sources said their mobile phones, one of which was a Singapore connection, remained switched off since the incident.
City Special Branch sources said the police have decided to clamp down on rampant violation of visa norms by preachers and evangelists. Quoting the visa regulation manuals, the sources said “visas should not be issued to preachers and evangelists who desire to come to India on propaganda campaign whether on their own or at the invitation of any other organisation in India.”
Preachers bypass this by coming on tourist visa and then address conventions. Even though the violations have been noticed and violators were often stopped from addressing meetings, this could be for the first time a case has been registered in connection with such an incident, a senior official with the City Special Branch said.
The Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) condemning the police action against Mr. Lee, stated that the moral policing, sectarian violence and the selective arrest of Christian evangelists demonstrated the failure of secular institutions in the country.
“GCIC appeals to all secular forces to see the grand designs of the fascist force corroding the roots of democratic India,” said Dr. Sajan George, President, GCIC in a release.
Keywords: U.S. evangelist, visa norms, arrest
Haha, Didn't the administration knew that he was preaching in the open air with the billboards all around even before 6 months of his arrival. And they found out only on the last day he was violating. It's nothing but double standards. America is a country where it allows everyone to propagate their faith no matter what because they know that their God is above all Gods and the same thing is not proved by India because we think that our gods are powerless.
So sad to hear the news as Rev. Lee is a renowned preacher. The meeting will not hurt any body as its a musical concert and Rev. Lee address the invitees of the meeting @ Ernakulam. I dont understand the selective deals of police and Govt:
I don't understand the outburst of so many people here. He was NOT arrested because he was an evangelist. He was arrested for violating laws. And for people who question why bother about visa laws suddenly. We should feel proud that finally, the police have started enforcing the laws. Who denies permission for an evangelist to come on a proper visa and do his job ? India is secular and that does not mean minorities can violate laws.
I may not agree with what a man says, but I will defend to the death his right to say it. Freedom of speech and freedom to worship are rights not given by governments, but, rights given by God. The issue is not Bill Lee who is a good man. But, the oppressive right of any government to force anyone to conform to their ideology. The greater sin is from the government trying to control it's people, and not allowing them their God given rights of freedom. When a government stops serving the interest of it's people, in this case the pastors, the government is corrupt.
When the missionaries came to Africa they had the Bible and we had the land. They said, 'Let us pray.' We closed our eyes. When we opened them we had the Bible and they had the land.
The incident that led to the visa rule violation and arrest of William Lee, the U.S.-based evangelist, has exposed the activities of the religious leaders no matter which religion they profess. The organizers of the 'Musical Splash' should be punished so that such incidents won't be repeated by anyone from any religion.
I cannot understand the outburst of Steve P. Vivekananda didn't go to the US by violating visa rules, unlike William Lee. The issue here is not about which religion William Lee belongs to, it's about the rule of law. As simple as that. It's become a fashion for secularists and christians to cry foul over such matter even where the principles of the law are well settled.
It is not at all reasonable, at least plausible, to say that Christian pastors and evangelists should not be allowed to enter our country since Christianity is an alien faith. In what way is it a crime or culpable offence for Christians of other countries to preach in India? They speak in Christian congregations and not in Hindu conferences. In this context, we need to harness our senses and do some self-searching. While veterans like Swamy Vivekananda, Sri Ramananda Tirtha, Swamy Chinmayananda, Meher Baba and many other Hindu vanguards visited other countries and preached about Hinduism without let or hindrance, while no objection was raised in Christian nations against Hindu preaching, what nonsense is it to make a hubbub against foreign evangelists preaching in India? If Hindu preaching in other nations is not an offence, how is it reasonable to raise against foreign preachers in India? Why did Vivekananda visit America and propagated Hinduism and its greatness? Why are trumpets blown that Vivekananda's sermons in Chicago were the best and finest? Never has been Hindu preaching or propaganda banned in other countries. No hurdles were ever clamped against the exposition of any Indian Hindu. Are churches in India manned by foreign preachers, pastors and leaders? But, on the other hand, are not temples in America, Canada, Britain and other European countries recruiting Indian priests and pundits? Is this not a fact? Why are Sikh gurudwaras allowed to follow their faith in Britain? When the Sikhs in Britain, Germany, America and several other nations took an iron stand over their religious sentiments and refused to discard turban, beard, bracelet and knife, the western governments allowed them to carry on their customs and culture without any curbs. They did not drive the Sikhs out of their countries. It is crystal clear that while western nations and authorities respect democracy and religious freedom, we are steadily demolishing democratic traditions in our country.
Mr.William has violated VISA norms but by works lead by Police dept and Judicial custodies-remand etc, he was worried very much.So why not he be released now?. He did not make any cruel acts in Inda. He came to prove that all persons can live a healthy,happy and peaceful life. We people need all these. He is a good news, positive energy provider. If people are less +Ve, no authorities can save them.So please release him immediately. Do not dishonour him Please.
I am surprised that visa norms have suddenly started to mean so much
in our country. This is India - there are plenty of people from neighboring countries that live and work here illegally and then
eventually even manage ration cards and citizenship. So the police
acting like it's all about visa norm violation is certainly a
smokescreen.
At the same time I don't think this is any reflection of India's
secularism or that its oppression of minorities. Putting up such an
argument is also far fetched. This is probably a local issue and The
Hindu could dig further about whats behind this sudden queasiness in
the state regarding preachers preaching on tourist visa.
Ramakrishnan got the issue right here. Rules are equal for everyone, or ideally should be. Instead of protesting the police following the rule, one should protest against cases where the law has not been followed. Whether the foreigner is a terrorist or not is a secondary question, first and foremost is the fact that the law has clearly been broken here and that too after a fair warning of the consequences. He deserves the punishment. And giving this incident emotive religious connotations is unfortunate...
If, and only If these ministers knew that what they were doing was forbidden by Indian visa laws: They have broken the law. When I was issued my visa, I studied Indian culture, laws and triditions. I too am American and black and realize that India had a masters degree when America was wearing diapers. I am also a christian but, anything I do against the laws of India or any other country ("knowingly"), I should be prepared to suffer or give a defence.
As long as the government of India - a democracy, is willing to enforce the law fairly and squarely across the board, for Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and people of all religion, it is understandable. Dr Sajan George needs appreciation for asking such questions and raising a public awareness of the unfairness of enforcement of such laws. By the way-- I wonder which visa allows people to preach in India?
If this is done by an Indian in US or Europe, then we can't imagine the punishment he may get their and he will never enter US for his rest of life time. Those who support these guys from abroad please read the news of US Visa rejections by US government of our fellow Indian brothers and sisters working hard in IT industry ..., just talk to any IT company employees... Lets stand for our mother country first.
For those who think that we need to import spirituality from abroad please read some articles published in US itself, after hearing swami vivekanandas speech in Chicago
Which "fascist" force is Dr. Sajan referring to? The government ruling kerala or centre? kerala police? Kerala government? India government?
Just to save a foreign national ( misguided by our own mallus obviously ) who trashed our home country's visa regulations, such statements will merely misguide more people.
Pray that real fascism never get a chance in Kerala / India.
God bless
The main point missed is the Kerala's accommodation of such evangelists, Sheikhs / Imams. Instead of making apologia to such violators of this land's Act and Rules, they should think about such visits made with motive. The evangelists have violated visa norms many times. All are forgetting the classical cases of Ron Watts and Doroty, who went to meet Sonia, even after their deportation, just to show off their connection. Of course, the visits Imams who addressed gathering in mosques etc. and that of Shekhs in early 1980s which created debates in the Kerala assembly.
I am glad to see that our immigration and police are acting now. As some one who has to travel to many countries for scientific meetings, I have to go through a detailed visa application procedure. No country would entertain some one entering their country with a wrong visa. The organizers should have advised the Evangelist not to address the gathering, as they have promised the police. Visa requirements for travel between countries is always a bilateral agreement. It is high time every one learns to follow the rules rather than pointing out the incidents from the past when the rules may not have been followed. That is the only way to go forward.
I am really saddened to read the comment by Dr Sajan. He is unnecessarily giving it a communal twist. A foreigner violated Indian visa norms, when he was politely told to desist from making public addresses because his visa is expired, he should have respected Indian law. Where is the Indian police at fault here.
If this had happened in a West Asian country, the treatment would have been different and the critics of the police action will keep their mouths shut.Can anybody dispute my statement ?
A foreign citizen is held on charges of violation of visa regulation period! There's nothing more to read in this issue. People should understand how harsher the punishments are if this were to happen outside India. We the people of India are always suspicious and judgemental when it comes to religious issues. Dr. Sajan's comments >are unfortunate. If you are going to invite religious preacher to India get things right and on proper visa provisions. It is such unwarranted criticism about police that demoralises them. They have just carried out their duty. It is people like Dr. Sajan and some commentators here who are diverting the issue for reasons best known to themselves!
Making big issues out of simple things. Everybody knows that William Lee is not a terrorist or an anti social.All this happened because he doesn't have politcian sponsors.It's not a big issue that he addressed a meeting. Many issues are made issues inconsiderative of their news value. After all what is the news value in arresting a normal evangelist and making it an issue in the public? I really doubt that the intension is to evoke communal displeasure and some peole must benefit from this. This is the state where Soumya's killer gets doctors to support and advocated to justify. Pity on you piloce, on your nasty attempts to divert the piblic attention from real issues related to failure of the police force.
You can see these types of Pujaris, Imams and Pastors in all religions. Most of the religious programs are conducted through illegal fund. I just cannot understand how these people can propagate religion without being honest and transparent. I think those who try to spread the words of God by illegal fund, cheating governments, violating visa norms are doing disservice to people. "You cannot wash your clothes with dirty water."
A double standard on the part of the Government of India?? Can this be applied to all religious personnel visiting to the USA by the US Governmnet? Is this a selective and purposely initiated indirect oppression of the minority?
Like Britain, India should introduce a visa exclusively for "Ministers of Religion" with whatever restrictions pertaining thereunto for workers of any religion. This will solve the problem.
I think the police was quite generous in allowing singers Dr. Ron Kenoly and his associate to leave India without any case or blacklisting. These singers just co-operated with the police and flew out of India on Oct 13. If Rev. William Lee had not gone into hiding, he too could have been home (US) by now. US citizens usually don't go into hiding. My guess is that the unscrupulous organizers (who are still in hiding) advised Rev. Lee to abscond--assuring him that they would take care of any eventuality. It is very unfortunate that Christians in Kerala should act in such treacherous ways, thereby landing reputed international preachers in trouble. In addition, the highly provocative language used by one Aby Abraham against the police (before Rev. Lee came on stage) is deplorable.
Dr Sajan George of GCIC is right when he says that there is selective enforcement of visa rules. But that doesn't justify visa rule violations by Christians who preach the gospel.
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