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SAN DIEGO – December 1, 2009. A local pastor and his wife claim they were interrogated by a San Diego County official, who then threatened them with escalating fines if they continued to hold Bible studies in their home, 10News reported.
Attorney Dean Broyles of The Western Center For Law & Policy was shocked with what happened to the pastor and his wife.
Broyles said, “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.’”
The county employee notified the couple that the small Bible study, with an average of 15 people attending, was in violation of County regulations, according to Broyles.
Broyles said a few days later the couple received a written warning that listed “unlawful use of land” and told them to “stop religious assembly or apply for a major use permit” — a process that could cost tens of thousands of dollars.
“For churches and religious assemblies there’s big parking concerns, there’s environmental impact concerns when you have hundreds or thousands of people gathering. But this is a different situation, and we believe that the application of the religious assembly principles to this Bible study is certainly misplaced,” said Broyles.
News of the case has rapidly spread across Internet blogs and has spurred various reactions.
Broyles said his clients have asked to stay anonymous until they give the county a demand letter that states by enforcing this regulation the county is violating their First Amendment right to freely exercise their religion.
Broyles also said this case has broader implications.
“If the county thinks they can shut down groups of 10 or 15 Christians meeting in a home, what about people who meet regularly at home for poker night? What about people who meet for Tupperware parties? What about people who are meeting to watch baseball games on a regular basis and support the Chargers?” Broyles asked.
Broyles and his clients plan to give the County their demand letter this week.
If the County refuses to release the pastor and his wife from obtaining the permit, they will consider a lawsuit in federal court.
10News.com
This is a classic example of how local, county, state and even federal officials, who are of a liberal persuasion, can seek control of any and all religious activity through legislation and lawful enforcement. How devastating to think that an individual would use, or possibly even aspire to to such positions, for the sole purpose of regulating religion and the free exercise therein.
We have seen it in our city, and in our county, but least anyone think that news of this nature is solely for the purpose of promulgating sensationalism and journalism drama, let us not forget that it will be a political figure who will win the world through his flattery, then squash the church through his position. That is, if we still believe in an Anti-Christ and a false prophet? Wake up, Apostolics… This is the real deal…
Bro Lo from SLO
Hey guys, don’t mean to bust your bubble but this is pretty old news. This was first reported in May 2009 and was resolved June 2009. If you want to read more about it you can look at my blog entry. http://powaypastor.wordpress.com/2009/05/28/disturbing-news-a-couple-is-asked-by-county-to-shut-down-home-bible-study/
I really like the concept of your website though. Good Job!
Correct. Just showing what has taken place here in California. It has happened numerous times and this is just one example. Good to see your response. Thanks for the reply. We are looking for more writers and would be honored if you would think about Apostolic News. God bless you Bro. Moehlenpah!
Brother Paul & Pastor Sam,
Thank you for the topic, and for the detail of this case… What is old news on a local level is not necessarily old on a national and international level. As a former Union representative, and President of our Union for five years, I have learned to cherish the struggles of others, and the battles that have been won from past arbitration and litigation. History and current events so often repeat themselves. It’s good to have friends who have been there, and who can help.
This type of infosharing is very valuable to Pastors and especially to Home Missionaries… I have done that for over twenty years also. I understood the purpose of sharing, and replied in a general sense. I am relieved with the outcome, thanks to Pastor Sam and the 10NEWS.com coverage on this story.
UPDATE: June 2009, San Diego County issued an apology letter to Pastor Dave Jones, his wife, and congregation, and also rescinded the Cease and Desist Order issued to them. The real issue was about parking on public roads, not meeting for private worship. County official tried to make this a religious issue, but we can all learn from this story. Thanks again for sharing!
For the details, follow Pastor Sam’s link which he provided in earlier reply.
Whoever coined the phrase, “You can’t fight City Hall” evidently did not know Pastor Dave Jones and his attorney. If he had not fought it, then the outcome WOULD have been entirely different. Earnestly contending for the faith can sometimes carry an expensive price tag… and it has for so many. May we all learn from them to be “Wise as serpents and harmless as Doves…” when we must ‘Debate thy cause with thy neighbor”.
God Bless Your Ministy,
Bro Lo from SLO