Faith
Maltese Christian Faces Trial for Faithful Testimony
Faith Facts
- Matthew Grech, a Christian in Malta, is facing possible fines or imprisonment for sharing his story of leaving the LGBT lifestyle.
- Malta’s law against so-called conversion practices makes it illegal to share views about changing sexual behavior, even if rooted in faith.
- This case is being closely watched as it could affect religious freedom and free speech across Europe and beyond.
Matthew Grech was charged in 2022 for speaking about his journey from homosexuality to faith in Christ, in an interview where he did not promote therapy but shared his personal experience.
He expressed the Biblical belief that repentance leads to forgiveness, emphasizing that every person can seek God’s strength to overcome temptation through faith.
Grech said
“Just like every other sin, one can repent from it and ask God for forgiveness and ask Him for strength to overcome.”
The prosecutors included not just Grech but also the journalists who interviewed him, raising global concerns about freedom of expression for Christians.
Andrea Williams of the Christian Legal Centre warned
“The real threat here is not just to Matthew, but to freedom of speech itself.”
She continued
“For Matthew’s sake, for Malta’s sake, and for the sake of free speech worldwide, I hope the court will acquit him now that the evidence has been fully heard.”
Malta, entwined with Christian history, now finds itself at a crossroads as people of faith there face modern trials for Biblical convictions.
Grech drew inspiration from Acts 28, comparing his ordeal to the Apostle Paul’s trials.
Grech said
“That story speaks to us to this day, because when Paul arrived in Malta, a fire was set because it was cold, and a snake fastened itself against his arm.”
“He shook it off, told it where it needs to go, and it went back to the fire.”
He noted
“I believe that as we survive this snake that is trying to poison us and harm us, as we look toward God, who is able to save us and redeem us, people will shift their perspective.”
Grech added
“We are facing the idol of our generation, and we’re saying, ‘We’re not going to bow down to you, no matter what the cost.'”
Christians everywhere are standing with Grech in prayer, trusting that truth and liberty rooted in faith will be upheld in every nation.