I was walking to the grocery store on an August afternoon when two teenage boys handed me this “Tony Alamo Christian Ministries” pamphlet. Unlike most New Yorkers who are deeply annoyed with street handouts, I ‘m still new and greatly accept every piece of literature that is shoved in my face; curiosity I guess.
I read it.
This religious pamphlet would offend any practicing Catholic. The article refers to Catholics as Nazis, kidnappers and the Antichrist.
Self-proclaimed “World Pastor" Tony Alamo writes, “They [Catholics] are also the ones behind the D.H.S. (Department of Homeland Security) stealing Christian children and today’s Catholic-controlled world government persecution of true Christians – sending weak-minded young people to brainwashing centers like the Catholic Cult Awareness Network, now called Wellspring, which they (the Catholic government) call 'counseling centers'."
Alamo then pleas to Catholics, “Ask God to save your soul,” followed by a prayer and five step process to “receive salvation.”
Wow.
Slightly disturbed by Alamo’s fervent allegations, I then glanced at the picture of the Pastor himself. With his fluffy mini-fro, cheesy off-white suit and shaded Aviator sunglasses that he’s creepily sporting INSIDE a portrait studio mind you, I thought to myself, “No thank you Mr. Alamo, I’ll take my chances with the Catholic Church.”
I respect our freedom of religion and speech in the first amendment of our constitution, though there’s no law respecting a person who exercises these rights.
I folded up the pamphlet and added it to my “New York Experience” box.
It wasn’t until today that I decided to reopen my box and take another look at this piece of literature handed to me a few months ago.
Then, I googled “Tony Alamo” and this is what I found.
November 13, 2009 – (Friday the 13th)
CNN – “Evangelist Alamo sentenced to 175 years on sex charges.”
CBS – “Tony Alamo, Christian Ministries Pervert Preacher, Gets 175 Years for Molesting Child Brides.”
The Examiner.com “Tony Alamo: the same old story – abusive do-it-yourself preacher.”
Last week, in Arkansas, 75-year-old Alamo was sentenced to 175 years in prison for taking underage girls across state lines for sex, the theft of his late wife’s body, and income tax evasion to name a few of the 10 convictions. His youngest known victim was eight years old.
Alamo used his status as a father figure and leader of the church as a weapon against girls, threatening the “loss of their salvation” if they did not submit to his demands.
While determining his sentence, United States District Judge Harry F. Barnes said, “Mr. Alamo, one day you will face a greater judge than me, may he have mercy on your soul.”
Since then, there has been a website set up to serve as a resource for information and support for the victims of Tony Alamo.
Alamo’s lawyers have appealed the conviction.
Alamo, whose real name is Bernie Hoffman, calls the accusations a hoax, claiming that he loves children and doesn’t abuse them.
In the pamphlet that disgustingly lies on my desk, Alamo writes in the fifth and final step of his salvation plan, “You must learn the Word of God, then submit yourself and do what the Word says. . . If you’re like me and would rather not be damned, but instead be saved, then say this prayer to God.”
Let his prayers begin.
Fact - A record 7.3 million Americans are now in prison, on parole or probation, costing the United States $52 billion on corrections last year.
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