Street preaching causes stir in Norfolk

NORFOLK, Va. - They accuse everyone of sinning and being evil, targeting their message at the biggest crowds around. They single out adults or kids - whoever passes their streetside preaching spot.

"Why do you deserve hell? Do you know?," yelled a streetside preacher at a group of adolescents walking to Norfolk's downtown ice skating rink.

They say they do it for Jesus Christ.

"We follow the word of God. I believe in Christ, I do," yelled another preacher at a passing car.

But the preachers offend nearly every person who passes, something they say they're aware of.

They call it education.

"Myself, I'm worthy of hell," said preacher Tommy Paul, "but because I believe in Jesus, I'm going to heaven, and that's what makes the difference and that's what we're out here to tell these young people."

Everyone else at the ice skating rink calls it nonsense.

"God tells you love your brother. God tells you, if they're doing something wrong, to correct them," said observer Steve Hawkins. "But never does he tell you to condemn them, judge them, or tell them they're going to hell."

The Downtown Norfolk Council is aware of the complaints the preachers generate, and they try to help, but they released a statement saying, "If the preachers aren't blocking sidewalks, we've been told there's not a lot we can do."