Chapter 24

24 
GLOBAL IUP NEWS SERVICE

VATICAN Pope Leo XXIV today denounced the widespread turmoil over the Brazilian Jesus as "an evil thing", admonishing Catholics everywhere to hold to Church teachings and to remain calm. In the form of a Papal Letter he called for the faithful to honor the historic truth of the Church in their lives and beliefs.

CLEVELAND, Ohio Pastor Horace Fowler, founder and spokesperson for Moral America Televangelical Ministries, today told an audience at an emergency prayer conference that the man calling himself Jesus was. in fact, the long awaited anti-Christ. Moral America Ministries is urging all members to stockpile food and fire arms in preparation for the world's entry into the Years of Anguish and Tribulation.

BRASILIA, Brazil The Brazilian Government today criticized US government efforts to increase pressure for the release of the Brazilian Jesus. Brasilia repeated its position that the man remains free to travel and speak publicly at all times. Sources on the scene however report that Jesus and his assistant Juan Gemarro remain as "guests" on a government estate at a secret location outside Rio.

RIOTING WORSE IN MANY CITIES

BALTIMORE, Maryland What had been described as "street scuffles" in most metropolitan cities for the past few days are now acknowledged to be wide spread rioting. Large spontaneous demonstrations by groups believing the Brazilian Jesus to be authentic sparked violence after they were met in the streets by opposing groups who consider the man to be the anti-Christ. Maryland National Guard units sent to restore order broke ranks to join the demonstrators on both sides. The introduction of armed men into the melee led to several deaths and a number of wounded in both groups. Governor George Hill has placed the city under martial law and expects quick approval to his request for U. S. Marines from Camp Scarborough.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado "We're fine and we're definitely still on the air telling the truth about the wonderful thing that is happening. We're telling a frightened world that Jesus Christ has returned, just as the scripture said he would." said Ruth Yemmer, acting spokesperson for Christians for Christ Ministries in Colorado Springs after a violent bomb destroyed much of the group's downtown headquarters.

"The explosion killed Pastor Michaels and two other men, but the damage was contained in the lobby area. The broadcast facilities are in the back, so we can continue to let our light shine in the world."

"The Fundies have held the Bible in a death grip for too long. Christians for Christ Ministries will not cower before their lies and threats about our Savior. They are afraid their domination of all Christian Doctrine is losing its strangle hold, that modern Christians are beginning to think again. We intend to restore the joy. It's time."

LOS ANGELES, California A loose coalition of Fundamentalists and Catholics have apparently overwhelmed an opposing group believing that the Brazilian Jesus is, in fact, the Savior. Violent house to house fighting throughout South Los Angeles left many homes on fire, power and phone lines destroyed and, in some areas, street pavement broken up to form barricades. The sound of gunfire was steady until dawn this morning. Police and National Guard units have been unable to enter the area., and order has not been restored.

LOS ANGELES, California In a brief interview shouted across a barricaded street in Southeast Los Angeles at midnight last night, a member of the prevailing group called the area an "anti-Christ-Free Zone". The pavement had been torn up to form a barrier. The cool night air was filled with smoke and gunfire.