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After 'Kidnapping' Its Youth Group, Church Agrees to Fines and Community Service

Assemblies of God youth pastor was trying to show students how missionaries are persecuted.
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A Pennsylvania church that staged a mock kidnapping of its youth group has made a plea agreement with prosecutors.

The incident, which CT noted in May, was a surprise simulation of the persecution faced by missionaries overseas. Glad Tidings Assembly of God faced charges of assault and false imprisonment after a parent complained; but under the deal, the church will pay a $10,000 fine and its youth pastor will "pay a $500 penalty, serve up to a year of probation and do 50 hours of community service," notes Religion Clause.

"I would find a way that we could continue to keep the shock value," said pastor John Lanza shortly after the incident. "But I would find a way to inform the parents."

April
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