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From: wolda002@umn.edu
Date: Sat Aug 21 2010 - 00:17:58 EDT
Church Fights Back After Arizona Town Bans Home Bible Study
Monday , March 15, 2010
AP
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GILBERT, Ariz. —
The national Alliance Defense Fund says a town code that bars religious
assemblies in private homes in the Arizona community of Gilbert is
unconstitutional.
The Oasis of Truth church began meeting at Pastor Joe Sutherland's house in
November and rotated homes several times a week for Bible study and
fellowship.
A Gilbert code compliance officer hit the church with a violation notice
after seeing a sign near a road advertising a Sunday service.
A zoning administrator told the church that Bible studies, church
leadership meetings and fellowship activities are not permitted in private
homes.
The Alliance Defense Fund's Doug Napier says no neighbors complained.
The Scottsdale-based group has filed an appeal with the town of Gilbert,
contending its code violates the U.S. Constitution.