Flip Benham and John Reyes Found Guilty in Lynchburg, VA

On November 9, 1997, a rally was held at Liberty University concerning the "God is Going Back to School Campaign." The call that night was to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to E.C. Glass High School by way of the public sidewalk. There were about 30 Liberty students who came to the altar to commit to be a witness in the morning. Flip (Director of Operation Rescue National) and John (Director of Salt, a pro-life group at Liberty University) were both surprised and encouraged when around 300 Liberty students showed up to proclaim that Jesus is Lord at E.C. Glass. This group stood on the public sidewalk and sang praise songs to our Lord, passed out literature, and witnessed to the students as they entered the school. There were five high school students who came to know Jesus Christ that day. There were no arrests. 

At one point, Flip was asked to move off of school property. When shown by the police he was not on public property, he immediately complied with them and began moving the large group across the street where they prayed and dispersed for the morning. Once again, there were no arrests. 

It is interesting to note that the principal at E.C. Glass High School would not allow her students to pray during the "See You at the Pole" campaign because they did not have a permit. 

Several weeks later, a grand jury was convened by the Commonwealth Attorney for the City of Lynchburg and Flip and John were indicted for trespass, disorderly conduct, and parading without a permit. William G. Petty, the Commonwealth Attorney, and Judge Richard Miller, being unable to refute the Truth of the Gospel message, chose to attack the messengers.

On February 17, 1998, Flip and John were found guilty of trespass even though the police department testified that when asked, the demonstrators complied with everything the police asked. They were found "not guilty" on the other two charges. Judge Miller handed down the maximum allowable sentence of one year in jail and a $500.00 fine. He did suspend six months of that sentence. When told the appeal process would start tomorrow, the Judge responded, "It will not do him any good because I am not allowing him to leave the state." Rather than sit in Lynchburg for two months while the appeal is pending, Rev. Benham began his jail time on February 18, 1998, at 10:00 am. He does not want to be apart from his family any longer than necessary. If the judge's decision is overturned in the appeal, he will leave the jail and go home. 

John is going to try to finish school this semester before he serves his time. He is a college student preparing to be a minister of the Gospel who has never been in trouble a day in his life. One year in jail is extremely outrageous for a first offense. 

Judicial tyrants have once again attacked the Body of Christ. We must respond while we still have the freedom to do so.

Enclosed are the names and addresses for people who need to be held accountable for this injustice. Let's make our voices heard! If you need a contact person in Lynchburg, VA, please call, John Reyes at 804-832-1038. We will need to make our presence known in that city.

In His service,
Kristene O'Dell,
Assistant to Reverend Benham

Please write and call those responsible for Flip's imprisonment.

  "He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the Lord." Proverbs 17:15

Commonwealth Attorney 
William G. Petty, Esq.
Monument Terrace Building 
901 Church Street 
PO Box 1539 Lynchburg, VA 24505 
804-847-1593
804-846-5038 Fax

Assistant Commonwealth Attorney 
Mary Healy, Esq.
Monument Terrace Building 
901 Church Street 
PO Box 1539 Lynchburg, VA 24505 
804-847-1593
804-846-5038 Fax

Call the ORN office for more details: 972-494-5316.