Faith

Ohio Church Holds Mock Casey Anthony Retrial During Sunday Service

Cleveland In Touch With Christ Christian Center Holds Mock Casey Anthony RetrialIn America, most Protestant church services are typically comprised of praise and worship songs, sermons, Sunday School and the like. But, a Cleveland, Ohio, church did something different this past Sunday.

In addition to typical worship activities, In Touch With Christ Christian Center included a mock retrial of Casey Anthony, the now-infamous woman from Florida who was released early Sunday after being found not guilty of killing her 2-year-old daughter.

WJW-TV reports Sunday’s exercise at the In Touch With Christ Christian Center in Cleveland was led by the Rev. Una Keenon, a retired municipal court judge in the community of East Cleveland:

Like millions, they have watched the case unfold on TV. Some parishioners were angered that Anthony was found not guilty by the trial jury.

[Keenon] had a few words of wisdom for these jurors during this capital murder case.

“Would it be better for [Casey Anthony] to go to death row and be killed for killing her child when she didn’t? Because if that maybe is in there, then I would say ‘no, it’s not fair,’ ” Keenon said.

Watch the WJW-TV report, below:

In the end, the church jury was hung, with eight voting guilty and four voting not guilty. Mock juror Darius Coleman said, “I pleaded not guilty because like Rev. Keenon said, it goes behind the facts of the case and they didn’t have 100-percent of the facts saying that she was guilty.”

And another, Tamika White, who viewed Anthony as guilty said, ”I feel like even if she didn’t murder her child by her own hands, she played a part in it, so she’s guilty by association, so that’s why I voted guilty for her.”

Bishop Prince Moultry, the church pastor, said the important lesson from the service was to protect children in Cleveland from the same fate as little Caylee Anthony. In addition to protecting local children, the church activity also sheds light on issue of forgiveness — a topic many have addressed when discussing the aftermath of the Anthony trial.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Comments (115)

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  • cja23
    Posted on July 18, 2011 at 3:32pm

    This little two year old was missing for 31 days and her mother was out grinding, bumping and drinking when supposedly Caylee was missing. Casey Anthony told lies upon lies upon lies. She knows what happened to little Caylee. This verdict of not guilty was a huge injustice for Caylee Anthony and the murderer went scott free. Second degree murder verdict is what Casey should have received, not a death penalty, but she stays in jail for a long time.

    Report Post »  
    • MONICNE
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 3:42pm

      That is not disputed, but now that she is free she needs work, and unemployment is so high, she should get into politics, which is booming with the stressful economy.

      Since she is so comely, a conservative career as a newscaster would be a good start. She could be a court reporter – she has 3 years on the job training. Fox, eh?

      MONICNE  
    • Robert-CA
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 3:57pm

      @ MONICNE

      Listen you lib loon your CNN hires perverts like that .

      Report Post » Robert-CA  
    • sbenton
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 4:17pm

      Liberals are hateful, dishonest creatures, aren’t they? Jesus warned us about liberals in the Bible when he said, “let no man deceive you”. When you see post after post from a liberal espousing lies, remember, that is what Jesus warned us about. That is why Mocine posts comment after comment filled with lies and half-truths. You are a liar. You follow the doctrine of lies. No wonder Glenn Beck and Christians disturb you, or your employer enough to attack us.

      Report Post » sbenton  
    • streetrodder
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 4:21pm

      @moncine, You are actually right for a change. She could fill in for Obozo’s teliprompter when he needs help with a major lie.

      Report Post »  
    • joyfulmom
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 5:03pm

      Hello? Flee this church and find a church that preaches the gospel of Jesus Christ….that we are sinners, who have broken God’s commands and in need of forgiveness of sins that can only be found in Jesus Christ, who took our sins upon Himself.
      Find a church that knows how to preach the Word of the Living God!…This message of a mock trail will not save anyone! What’s the point? Man, there’s people sitting in your congregation going to hell…..Preach the Word!

      Report Post »  
    • ryetoons
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 6:26pm

      I agree! She killed her little girl and she should be in prison for the rest of her life! Shame on that jury who completely missed. Those parents are liars but they are not killers, she is! How could anyone miss that? Blinders on in that jury box??? I sincerely hope that she gets the justice she deserves! By that, I mean Casey. Caylee rest in peace! I would hope that NO ONE would support anything she does to make money, she does NOT deserve a penny for killing her daughter! God will make it right for Caylee!

      Report Post »  
    • Flagwaver
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 6:27pm

      I wonder if they remember Jesus saying “Judge not, lest ye be judged.”

      Report Post » Flagwaver  
    • Quack Addict
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 7:20pm

      How many other children have died or gone missing since little Caylee? Do you people even care? The media controls what people think and how they should react. Don’t get mad at Miss Anthony she was found not guilty. Get mad at the system. Do something about that if you don’t like it. I doubt these fine Americans were shedding a tear when OJ was set free. meh.

      Report Post » Quack Addict  
    • cemerius
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 7:39pm

      GET OVER IT!!! My God people!!! We have more horrible things happening then this one innocent angel that is in heaven! Ms Anthony will serve her time in Hell and it is NOT for anyone here to exact justice……As ALL of our children will soon be starving because these pathetic politicians can do NOTHING but promise more of the same you ALL are being distracted!!!!!

      cemerius  
    • American_Joe
      Posted on July 19, 2011 at 8:08am

      I watched the trial, and every piece of evidence they had had another plausible explanation which disputed the prosecutions claim of murder. What we feel is irrelevant, it is about what can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, and in this case there was plenty of doubt. Always remember you are innocent until PROVEN guilty.

      Report Post »  
    • American_Joe
      Posted on July 19, 2011 at 8:10am

      Our justice system was not designed to punish the guilty it was designed not to punish the innocent.

      Report Post »  
  • saranda
    Posted on July 18, 2011 at 3:32pm

    This church is insane. What reason could these people have for re enacting a trial? I find this to be completely out of line.

    Report Post »  
    • MONICNE
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 3:39pm

      I am pretty sure that all true christian churches had a mock Casey Anthony trial last weekend, or else this journal would not be publishing this as a human interest story.

      Very few mosques or temples or basilicas or cathedrals or AA meetings had any trials, that’s pretty obvious.

      MONICNE  
    • walkwithme1966
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 4:17pm

      I think this is insane – the justice system worked – she was found not guilty so let it go!! If she is guilty of anything, she will answer for it if not on this earth then in another setting! http://wp.me/pYLB7-1af

      Report Post » walkwithme1966  
  • commoncents5
    Posted on July 18, 2011 at 3:26pm

    Why are all of us idiots but you? Just because the jury didn’t give all of you the blood you were thirsty for they are ridiculed, threatened, hated along with Casey. Whether Casey is guilty or not guilty has not changed my life one tittle. So how has this tragedy changed all of your lives? You just want what you want and you want it NOW! So now empty your closets and lets just find out how perfect we all are. Does crucify Him, Crucify Him sound familiar? He was found with no fault but that didn’t matter to the Kenites! They wanted blood to satisfy their thirst. So get over whatever exulted pious trip everyone is on and let the story go. Your hatred has nothing to do with getting little Caylee her justice…but it is all about YOU and what you want. God will provide Caylee her justice.

    Report Post »  
    • MONICNE
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 3:33pm

      Casey is so beautiful that she has a HUGE future as a conservative Tea Party attraction and champion fundraiser, kind of like Josephine the Plumber!

      MONICNE  
  • lizaz
    Posted on July 18, 2011 at 3:26pm

    This woman gets to live with what she did for the rest of her life. Caylee is not coming back, EVER, and she will dream about this situation forever. If she doesn’t become drug and alcohol dependent very soon, I’ll be surprised. Sometimes the mind is uncontrollable and I believe she will suffer more than if she was in prison. Nothing will make her forget………

    Report Post »  
    • MONICNE
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 3:35pm

      She is just as beautiful as Michele, and much younger. If she starts studying PolySci now, and keeps in shape, she can be a bigger success than Sarah and a real contender for President in 35 years.

      MONICNE  
  • MrKnowItAll
    Posted on July 18, 2011 at 3:25pm

    Keep your mind on Casey Anthony. Maybe it will take your mind off the Fact the World is falling apart. This is True Insanity and Mind control at it’s best. The Truth is not Racist. If this were a Black Church Member of these folks people as myself know for a fact we would have only heard “That poor girl is innocent, race card, race card………….” We Know! Spread the word. Too many people don’t!

    Report Post » MrKnowItAll  
    • MONICNE
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 3:49pm

      It is very Newsy that the released her, “after she was found not guilty…”

      TEA

      MONICNE  
  • Fly Old Glory 24/7 365
    Posted on July 18, 2011 at 3:17pm

    Darius said “ I pleaded not guilty”…. Okay, a juror does not plead guilty or not guilty. They vote guilty or not guilty. I have a feeling the ppl that performed this exercise had even less understanding of what they were ask to do than the actual jury did.

    Report Post »  
  • sWampy
    Posted on July 18, 2011 at 3:16pm

    At least they were smart enough to hang the jury, it amazes me that this and the OJ trials didn’t both end in hung juries, 50 years ago, the entire population was smart enough to know that in cases like this you hung the jury and waited until more evidence came about, it’s amazing how far we have fallen in the last 50 years.

    Report Post »  
  • alces1
    Posted on July 18, 2011 at 3:16pm

    After listening to the evidence provided and the specific instructions given by the judge regarding the standard to be applied on each count against Casey Anthony, I told my wife that the only charges she could possibly be found guilty would be lying to the investigators.There could possibly be a situation where some of her lies might not be material to the case and might be appealable as a result.The verdict didn’t surprise me one bit based on evidence and judges instructions to the jury.

    Report Post »  
  • pandora
    Posted on July 18, 2011 at 3:15pm

    There are many examples of the misuse of a church and the politicization of religion. This is only one example. There will be many more as churches are infiltrated by subversive elements. Turning the country against religion is a famous tactic of the communist/socialist movements. First they pretend to be part of the church, then they fill it with propaganda, then they usurp the church for its own purpose. The “new” church looks a lot different. Once they have that accomplished….they decide it isn’t worth anything and they burn it down. That’s when they murder most of the true followers. You better believe there’s a war going on…you’re already in it.

    Report Post »  
  • SREGN
    Posted on July 18, 2011 at 3:13pm

    Judge not, lest ye be judged. Vengeance is mine, sayeth the Lord. If Casey can’t be forgiven, neither can we.

    Report Post »  
  • jacobstroubles
    Posted on July 18, 2011 at 3:13pm

    This show’s how many “churchs” will be part of the big failure…in the end times.
    They are taking a position that is not theirs to take.
    Cassey Anthony was tried and aquitted in a court of law..
    It is now up to GOD on how the rest of her mortal life will be on this earth.
    Dont worry.. GOD is just about to wrap things up here.. and the final 7 years are about to begin.
    All these people had better focus on themselves and getting their lives/affairs in order, rather than worrying about how they can reprosecute Casey Anthony…
    She’s gonna be the least of their worries.

    As for this Church.. GOD has a finite plan for all of them that have used/twisted and lied about his word. The Rapture Event which is about to happen will shed much light on their dilema.

    Report Post »  
  • ThomRaasio
    Posted on July 18, 2011 at 3:07pm

    1 John 5:16 If any man SEE HIS BROTHER SIN A SIN which is not unto death, he shall ask , and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. THERE IS A SIN UNTO DEATH: I do not say that he shall pray for it. 17 All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.

    We did not “see” her commit this sin that resulted in a death, but all indications are that she is at least and accessory to the crime and KNEW her daughter was dead and should have served time for that part of it at least.

    Report Post »  
    • encinom
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 3:23pm

      Are legal standards for guilt is not found in the bible. She was innocent of the charges at the start of the case. It is the duty of the State to prove guilt. The State could not. The bible is no where in the this determiniation.

      Report Post »  
  • sooner12
    Posted on July 18, 2011 at 3:06pm

    What did this church accomplish by running a mock trial. I guess it placed some people in the moral spot as was the actual jury, but that is old news. We already were exposed to that issue in the news. So, I don’t know if anything was accomplished.

    Report Post »  
  • coryf076
    Posted on July 18, 2011 at 3:06pm

    why didn’t people get this crazy when OJ was let go….here was a guy with money, power, media connections, political connections, all the evidence in the world pointing at his guilt, more money, celebrity status, money and people complained a little bit…wink wink it’s all good cuz well, you know, we can’t really talk about it, but you know……then we have this woman in FL, Casey Anthony, has no money, no power, no political connection, no celebrity status, no money, shoddy evidence at best, nothing, nada, zilch, and everyone across this nation is losing it….why is that? I have a few reasons that come to mind but none are politically correct!! Where was the media during microwave mom that cooked her child?

    Report Post »  
  • betterthantv
    Posted on July 18, 2011 at 3:04pm

    This appears to be a sloppy attempt at reason. One big thing most people are overlooking is forgiveness. It’s really sad how many “Christians’ want her “dead”.Especially if the posts in here are common to what’s happening in the blogosphere. Personally I think she is innocent. But even when O.J. was found not guilty I didn’t have the hate for him that many are expressing towards Casey Anthony. The whole reaction to this trial just shows how we have become a tabloid nation. Nobody stops to think for themselves anymore.

    Report Post » betterthantv  
    • kadydid
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 4:51pm

      It’s also sad that some people are so easily duped by a liar and her lawyer.

      Report Post »  
  • Islesfordian
    Posted on July 18, 2011 at 3:00pm

    What an idiot of a minister. What does this have to do with the Gospel?

    Report Post » Islesfordian  
    • vennoye
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 3:09pm

      I agree!

      Report Post » vennoye  
    • trolltrainer
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 3:27pm

      I wonder what the overall message was? Get beyond the reporters and the news articles. Was it a lesson in forgiveness? Or was it something more secular? maybe trying to gain some insight on the actual verdict…

      I am not going to judge the church’s actions because I was not there, did not hear the message, and do not know the intent of the exercise. I can say I do not see my church doing anything like this…But that is meaningless other than maybe an indication of my personal preferences in a worship service…

      Report Post »  
    • MONICNE
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 3:45pm

      The pastor is just trying to give his young female congregation a role model for the compassion of Christ, and the tribulations of being tried by Man.

      Report Post » MONICNE  
  • Arcangel Michael
    Posted on July 18, 2011 at 3:00pm

    Jesus, I trust in You

    Report Post » Arcangel Michael  
  • hauschild
    Posted on July 18, 2011 at 2:59pm

    My goodness, who cares?!?!?

    So, another bottom feeder gets to walk. Yeah, like we haven’t seen that B4.

    We gots bigger fish to fry.

    Report Post »  
    • REETZBEE
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 3:58pm

      I think Casey really wanted to go see her boyfriend for the night and couldn’t find a babysitter so when Caylee started whinning and crying Casey snapped, picked her up and threw her against the wall killing her. I think she got the duct tape out and silenced her daughter forever most likely screaming at the child to shut up. The woman is guilty!!

      Report Post » REETZBEE  
  • ThomRaasio
    Posted on July 18, 2011 at 2:59pm

    It’s the “jury’s” fault she’s in a more dangerous position than she would be in if she had been found guilty of “something”, “anything”, that had to do with Caley’s death. At the very LEAST, she should have been charged with “accessory to manslaughter” because there is NO DOUBT in anyones mind, that she KNEW her daughter was dead and did NOT report it. Sadly, I think Casey will not last a year and will end up dying at the hands of some sado masicist who finds out who she is decides he can do whatever he wants to with her and no one will care….

    Report Post »  
    • EthanNDomsMom
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 6:10pm

      Did you watch the trial? The prosecution proved absolutely NOTHING! You can’t blame the jury for the prosecutor.

      Report Post » EthanNDomsMom  
  • G.E.R
    Posted on July 18, 2011 at 2:58pm

    Maybe it‘s time for the bible to stand trial for all the damage it’s done since it’s publication

    Report Post »  
    • trolltrainer
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 3:05pm

      Go ahead! It will not make one bit of difference to rational people who know better than your blind, slanted prejudices.

      Report Post »  
    • vennoye
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 3:11pm

      Don‘t blame the Bible for how HUMANS have twisted it’s teachings!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      Report Post » vennoye  
    • sWampy
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 3:14pm

      It’s certainly done orders of magnitude more good over the last 2000 years than it has harm.

      Report Post »  
    • G.E.R
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 3:31pm

      @TrollTrainer

      When you say “rational people” you mean “intelligent free thinkers”. Now if the bible was true. Those rational people you mentioned would find it guilty. And one more thing. Those rational people have already decided on this issue. And the conclusion is…the bible is the #1 ficition bestseller of all times.

      Report Post »  
    • trolltrainer
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 3:42pm

      GER.When I say rational people. I am talking about those. Who can use correct grammar. And punctuation. Those who know their Creator and worship Him and follow His Word which He has given us. If we could get rid of all the dead weight “free thinkers” who only know the general rule of “if it feels good then it is right for me” and if we could all live as Jesus taught us then the world would be one groovy place! But…God gave us free will knowing that many/most would reject him and try to set themselves up as their own master. So…people like you are only exercising the free choice He gave you and I cannot hold that against you. You are blinded by Satan, the world, and your own misconceptions. Only the truth can save you and only God can provide that truth.

      Go ahead and fight God. Go ahead and put the Bible on trial. Post your atheistic billboards. Mock believers. It does not matter. You are certainly not going to make any difference to us…We see. You do not. You are like a toddler explaining politics to his parents. You are cute and silly.

      Seek Jesus. If you look He will make Himself known. Then you will see the Truth and the Life and you will marvel at how blind you once were. I know…Once I was you!

      Report Post »  
    • G.E.R
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 4:13pm

      @TrollTrainer

      If grammar and punctuation is your criteria for a rational person. Then you truly are irrational. Aside from being ficition the bible is the most wordy and poorly written books too.

      Report Post »  
    • trolltrainer
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 4:46pm

      It is somewhat off-topic, but I did want to respond to your last comment. I do judge people in a forum by their writing style, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Spelling especially says a lot because we have spellcheck on our computers. I am an atrocious speller, but if someone is too lazy to try and correct their post then I have to ask if it is worth reading.

      Why should I take you seriously? Read through the posts in this article, in any article. Some people are merely ranting. I am not saying that anyone is “stupid” but how can I take a rant seriously? Are you trying to convey valuable information to others, or are you just wasting time trolling? I am here to read various views on any given topic and I will tend to gravitate to those who take the time to explain and rationalize their points…Even if I continually disagree with them. This is the general problem with liberals. It is hard to take them seriously when they totally ignore reason and simply scream the same rants over and over.

      So yes…I do judge how rational a person is by how they convey information. This is an informal setting. We all make mistakes, use the wrong word now and then, use your instead of you’re, that kind of thing. I do proof my posts, but only in the most superficial manner. Still, I want to accurately convey what I am trying to say and I will take those who do the same much more seriously than some half-drunk troll who is merely ranting.

      Report Post »  
  • Slobaphobe
    Posted on July 18, 2011 at 2:56pm

    We are a nation of laws.It doesn’t matter what anyone believes. Only the jury verdict matters. Please let this story go.

    Report Post »  
    • Fly Old Glory 24/7 365
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 3:45pm

      that would be great. Now everyone tell the press to “shut the front door” on this one and we can all go back to other things…

      Report Post »  
    • hargisP
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 8:01pm

      You are right Slobaphobe.

      Report Post »  
  • dealer@678
    Posted on July 18, 2011 at 2:55pm

    Not surprised. They thought O J was innocent too

    Report Post »  
    • Greenwood
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 11:43pm

      @DEALER@678…………OJ was not innocent he was found not guilty big difference.
      Same with Casey not guilty but also not mother of the year either. B!#ch

      Report Post » Greenwood  
  • trolltrainer
    Posted on July 18, 2011 at 2:54pm

    Dont know what to read into this beyond the article but the whole Casey Anthony thing is a great lesson for the Christian. Never mind the question of whether or not she is guilty of killing her daughter…I believe she is guilty…I am saddened by the number of Christians I hear that are saying, “God will punish her, she will go to hell…” Really? Does she not have the same chance you or I did to turn to Christ no matter what sin may have been committed in the past?

    I am not her judge. I am glad I am not. She WILL answer for what she did (if she indeed did it) but then again, we will ALL answer for what we have done. But we are not saved by what we have or have not done, rather by what Christ did for us. I hope and pray Casey will find and accept that free gift for herself.

    Report Post »  
  • Rational Man
    Posted on July 18, 2011 at 2:53pm

    This is not a church I would attend!

    Report Post » Rational Man  
    • JRook
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 3:01pm

      Ditto, what people believe or don’t believe about the case is irrelevant. The prosecutors got their clocks cleaned based in part on the presentation of weak case.

      Report Post »  
    • MONICNE
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 3:48pm

      Me either, they make you bring a covered dish and I can’t cook. Also there is no covered parking so there is no way I am going to have my wax ruined in the brutal summer sun. The pastor‘s microphone has an annoying buzz and the organ needs it’s own service.

      There are much better churches for the same cost.

      TEA

      Report Post » MONICNE  
  • Psychosis
    Posted on July 18, 2011 at 2:52pm

    ya, um, another church full of idiots

    but why should that surprise anyone ……………….they all used the same education system that is producing idiots on a grand scale

    i feel like even if she didnt ………………………..

    there is the evidence ………….feelings, and making decisions based on FEELINGS

    EVEN CHURCHES HAVE LIBERALS WHO MAKE DECISIONS ON FEELINGS NOT FACTS

    at least there was 4 people who based their decision on the facts at hand instead of their ‘ FEELINGS”

    Report Post » Psychosis  
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