UPDATE: Pastor's Lawyer: County To Withdraw Bible Study Citation
San Diego County officials shut down home Bible study
County official interrogates pastor and his wife
May 28, 2009
A San Diego pastor and his wife have been told they cannot have a Bible study in their home. The couple says they were interrogated by a San Diego County official, then threatened with ever increasing fines if they refuse to stop the Bible study. (See news article here)
According to the couple's attorney, they were questioned about the Bible study. "'Do you have a regular meeting in your home?" The pastor's wife replied, "Yes." "Do you say 'amen'?" the official asked. "Yes," she replied. "Do you pray?" Again she said, "Yes." "Do you say 'praise the Lord'?" Another "Yes." The official told the pastor and his wife they were in violation of county rules.
The Bible study usually has an average of about 15 people.
A few days later they got a written warning that listed the home Bible study an "unlawful use of land." They were notified to "stop religious assembly or apply for a major use permit," which could cost them thousands of dollars.
Could a small poetry club meet regularly in a home? Apparently, yes. What about a Cub Scout meeting? Evidently, yes. What if they meet regularly to watch Monday Night Football? Obviously, yes.
Take Action!
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• Sign the petition supporting the couple's right to hold the small Bible study in their home. The petition will go to the San Diego Board of Supervisors.
• Please forward this to others and ask them to sign. We will present the petitions to the San Diego Board of Supervisors.
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