Drew1369

Pastor David Jones and his wife Mary have been told that they cannot invite friends to their San Diego, Calif. home for a bible study — unless they are willing to pay tens of thousands of dollars to San Diego County.

"On Good Friday we had an employee from San Diego County come to our house, and inform us that the bible study that we were having was a religious assembly, and in violation of the code in the county." David Jones told FOX News.

"We told them this is not really a religious assembly — this is just a bible study with friends. We have a meal, we pray, that was all," Jones said.

A few days later, the couple received a written warning that cited "unlawful use of land," ordering them to either "stop religious assembly or apply for a major use permit," the couple's attorney Dean Broyles told San Diego news station 10News.

But the major use permit could cost the Jones' thousands of dollars just to have a few friends over.

For David and Mary Jones, it's about more than a question of money.

"The government may not prohibit the free exercise of religion," Broyles told FOX News. "I believe that our Founding Fathers would roll over in their grave if they saw that here in the year 2009, a pastor and his wife are being told that they cannot hold a simple bible study in their own home."

"The implications are great because it’s not only us that’s involved," Mary Jones said. "There are thousands and thousands of bible studies that are held all across the country. What we’re interested in is setting a precedent here — before it goes any further — and that we have it settled for the future."

The couple is planning to dispute the county's order this week.

If San Diego County refuses to allow the pastor and his wife to continue gathering without acquiring a permit, they will consider a lawsuit in federal court.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,522637,00.html

Jason

Like it or not, I have to agree. As long as they are not charging anyone and are not harming others why cannot people gather and discuss things. Maybe book clubs will be next. Or study groups.

40sondacurb

Here is an SD County major use permit, http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/dplu/zoni...usepermit.html

it is about as easy to understand as Jackson Pollock's hand writing but this is the description:

"The intent and purpose of a Major Use Permit is to provide for the accommodation of land uses with special site or design requirements, operating characteristics or potential adverse effects on surroundings, through review and where necessary."

The only thing I can think of is that these people must be taking up too many parking spots; that seems to be the only effect a gathering like this could have on the community.


They may not fear God, but Oprah would destroy them.

bry623

I wonder if the content of the meeting had any play in it.

yustr

I wonder if the size and frequency of the meetings had anything to do with it.

Sounds like a neighborhood feud to me. Somebody obviously reported it to the County. We’re not getting the full story – makes better press to say that the big bad liberal government is suppressing religious freedom than to say Joe and Fred have been leaving their dog doo in each other’s yards for years.

lolarobot

I agree. We are not hearing the whole story. I bet it is not a few friends every once in a while for a meal and some praying. I bet it is frequent and there are tons of cars in the neighborhood until all hours and they are probably screaming "Hallelujah" at the top of their lungs or chanting or doing snake dances. I would like to hear more.

Drew1369

I couldn't find anything from CNN on it and everything backtracks to Fox...

Not news worthy apparently for the other news agencies...

I would say because there wasn't anything else too it...

simpswr

Fair and balenced as usual . . .

Drew1369

I know being that Fox was the only one to cover it fair and balance with the other news media too... I think it is the whole story. I'll put money on it being that they will take it to federal court. If they were receiving complaints do to noise or other reasons it wouldn't make it past appeals.

Jason

YouTube - San Diego Officials Threaten Pastor for Holding Home Bible Studies

Jason

In an interview yesterday, the pastor said at most, there are six additional cars on Bible study day. Jones, pastor of South Bay Community Church in National City, said he has visitors park in a lot that he owns beside his house.

According to Broyles, the code enforcement officer asked a series of pointed questions during her visit with the Joneses – questions such as, “Do you sing?” “Do you say 'amen?' ” “Do you say 'praise the Lord?' ”

http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stori...it-bible-stud/

40sondacurb

Only 15 regulars who are very bad drivers, sounds like a church to me.

I'm not convinced the neighbors are ok with this. You put a camera to someone's face and ask if they like the guy sitting across the street and chances are "no comment" is the worst remark you'll get. It's not wise to start a feud with someone who craves an audience (read pastor).

but I think the city should back off if they fix the parking situation.