Thursday, May 28, 2009

And so it begins...

A California pastor and his wife have been ordered to stop holding a weekly Bible study in their home. A dozen or so people meeting for dinner and a study of the Word together is apparently being dubbed a "religious assembly" and therefore needs a "major use permit" to continue. They are fighting this in court, for all our sakes.

"The county asked, 'Do you have a regular meeting in your home?'
She said, 'Yes.'
'Do you say amen?'
'Yes.'
'Do you pray?'
'Yes.'
'Do you say praise the Lord?' 'Yes.'"

Can you imagine? Read the entire article here.

1 comment:

Laurie said...

Good News: San Diego County Apologizes for Targeting Bible Study

San Diego County officials agreed Wednesday to rescind a cease-and-desist order issued to a pastor holding a Bible study in his home.

They originally told the Rev. Dave Jones to stop hosting his study — which draws about 15 people — because it was an "unlawful use of land." He was told to "stop religious assembly or apply for a major use permit."

Later, Walter Ekard, chief administrative officer for the county, wrote: "I want to offer my apology to you, your wife and your congregation for the unfortunate events of the past several weeks. My review of the situation shows … a major use permit is not required for the Bible Study you have in your home."

Dean Broyles, president and chief counsel of The Western Center for Law & Policy in California, said he was encouraged by the county's response.

He said: “We look forward to working with the county to ensure that the clarification of its ordinances and training of its personnel are implemented promptly and efficiently so that all citizens of San Diego can be assured that their constitutional rights are protected, whether they’re holding Bible studies or hosting Boy Scout meetings.”

From the 6/5/09 Citizen Link Daily Update, CitizenLink.com