Local San Diego Pastor and Wife Threatened by Local County Official To Stop Home Bible Studies

Since when does one have to get government approval to hold a bible study in one's home? Well, it seems that, according to 10News, a local San Diego pastor and his wife have claimed that they were interrogated by a county official, who then threatened them with escalating fines if they continued to hold bible studies in their home. The county employee reportedly notified the couple that the small bible study, with an average of 15 people attending, was in violation of county regulations. So, do you need county approval to have a Tupperware party? Whatever happened to freedom of speech and the freedom to exercise their religion in this county? It seems that Christianity is under siege in America and for all the wrong reasons. I am a part of a small group of women who meet regularly and the county doesn't interfere in what we are doing. Aren't there more important issues that the county needs to confront than worry about someone holding bible studies in the privacy of their own homes?

In a media interview attorney Dean Broyles of The Western Center For Law & Policy 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.'"

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.

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?" said Broyles. Broyles and his clients plant 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. Source: 10News

It is so important that people take note of what goes on in their communities. Take the time to learn about your elected officials and those that are desirous of holding a particular office. You have to look at their agendas and the things that are important to them, that could very well impact your lives if they are elected. So, it's okay to have a 10 people over for drinks but you can't have people over for bible study. This is crazy and a clear violation of the couple's rights under the Constitution.