Faith
Christian Faces Legal Threat in Malta Over Testimony
Faith Facts
- Matthew Grech, a Christian in Malta, faces prosecution for sharing his testimony of leaving homosexuality after coming to Christ.
- The case centers on Malta’s ban on so-called “conversion therapy,” the first such law in the European Union.
- Supporters argue his rights to freedom of speech, conscience, and religion are under attack for expressing biblical beliefs.
Matthew Grech has warned that restrictions on sharing Christian testimonies about transformation could soon affect believers worldwide.
Grech was targeted after a media interview where he explained his personal faith journey and voluntary decision to follow biblical teaching on sexuality.
He faces the possibility of jail under Malta’s 2016 law, which bans “conversion therapy,” despite his statements being a testimony of his journey with Christ and not an offer of therapy.
His defense asserts that these charges violate fundamental rights guaranteed under Malta’s constitution and European human rights law.
“Anyone who cares about freedom of speech should feel alarmed by what is happening to me.”
Grech stated on Facebook.
During a media interview, he shared how his understanding of biblical truth shaped his life, emphasizing:
“I understood that in the Bible, homosexuality is not an identity as we make it nowadays.”
“And neither is it a feeling, but a practice.”
“This means that no matter what sexual feelings a man or a woman experiences, if they have sexual relations with a person of the same sex, they commit the homosexual act in God’s eyes, and that is a sin.”
He explained that repentance, seeking God’s forgiveness, and strength are the Christian response.
“I’m talking here from a Christian perspective.”
Grech’s supporters highlight that the courts are being used to silence biblical perspectives and testimony.
Christian advocates argue that fundamental freedoms are being jeopardized whenever a believer is prosecuted for testifying about the transformative power of the Gospel.
The threat to share testimonies and answer questions about their faith is a concern for Christians who cherish both faith and freedom.
As faithful Christians, we recognize the urgent need to pray for those who face opposition for sharing biblical truth, and to stand firm in defense of our freedoms.