SoCal Theologica: Musings from the West Coast

On May 25, Turkish Christians Hakan Tastan and Turan Topal appeared in court for their 11th hearing on charges of “insulting Turkishness” by allegedly trying to convert others to Christianity, according to Compass Direct News. The hearing lasted only a few minutes. Despite the lack of evidence against the men, the Silivri Criminal Court set another hearing for Oct. 14. Prosecutors have yet to present any concrete evidence for the charges, and Hakan and Turan hope the trial concludes by the end of the year. “From the beginning, the charges against us have been filled with contradictions,” Turan said. “But we are entirely innocent of all these charges, so of course we expect a complete acquittal.” Thank the Lord for the bold faith of these two believers. Pray that God will be their strength and guide and that the charges against them will be dropped.