(Image Source: The Discerning Hearts Blog)
BY KIM ST. ONGE
First, there was separation of church and state... but the Christian Post reports now there could be a new battle, church and city.
"A Christian couple from Orange County, Calif., were [sic] fined earlier this month for holding Bible studies and for what city officials called 'a regular gathering of more than three people' in their homes."
The family’s twice a week Bibles studies with as many as 50 people cost them $300 in fines. Some argue fining the family is a violation of religious freedom. Fox News quotes a spokeswoman for the city saying the idea is not to stop home Bible study.
"The Fromm case further involves regular meetings on Sunday mornings and Thursday afternoons with up to 50 persons, with impacts on the residential neighborhood on street access and parking."
The code enforcement department relies on complaints, meaning some unfriendly neighbor or other member of the community reported on the Fromms.The homeowner, Stephanie Fromm, fired back about one of her vocal neighbors saying her family isn’t violating a zoning code.
“We’ll put cones to block anybody from parking in front of her house because we just want to be really conscientious towards her right to have any guests.”
A blogger for Hot Air vehemently sided with the Fromms.
“The municipal code bans a religious organization. I’d say a private Bible study hardly qualifies — it’s just a friendly gathering of like-minded folks. Would the city of San Juan Capistrano also consider a family-members-only Bible study a religious organization?”
The couple appealed the fine, but was told they would face even more fines if they don’t get a permit. The Fromms are waiting to have their case heard in the Orange County Superior Court and say they are willing to take it all the way to the federal level.
