Hallelujah: Gilbert, Arizona Reconsidering Its Ban on Bible Studies in Private Homes
Posted By Vicki McClure Davidson on March 16, 2010
Bible studies in private homes under fire in Gilbert, Arizona | Photo credit: fortinbras, Flickr.com, Creative Commons
Last week, I wrote about the city of Gilbert, Arizona, forbidding Bible studies in private homes (and, as I later discovered, the city’s ban on Christian activities in private homes also included potluck dinners, of all things).
Because of attention drawn to this case, things have taken a turn… for the better. Reason, justice, and that pesky First Amendment provision in the Constitution seem to have prevailed.
This time.
Gilbert officials have announced they intend to review and change the city’s code.
From Seeing Red: ADF helps Gilbert, AZ reconsider home Bible study ban:
Last week the town of Gilbert, AZ made national headlines after officials notified residents Joe Sutherland and his wife, Leah, that they could no longer conduct Bible study classes in their own home. Town officials sent the couple a cease and desist letter informing them they had 10 days to discontinue conducting the meetings.
The ban prompted a response from the Alliance Defense Fund, (ADF) which filed an appeal with the city as the first step in its campaign to overturn a provision it described as illegal.
After the clash reached fever pitch, the city reconsidered. Yesterday, Mayor John Lewis and Acting Town Manager Collin DeWitt attended the Sunday worship services of the Oasis of Truth Church, saying had a wonderful experience and are glad that the members selected Gilbert as their home. Today they have issued this statement, titled Gilbert remains committed to religious freedom.
Town Council members expressed overwhelming support to expedite changes in the code. Mayor Lewis told church leaders that he will ask Town attorneys to include ADF and the Oasis of Truth Church in the review process this week of the proposed changes that will be presented to the Town Council on March 23.
From the city’s statement:
Gilbert’s Mayor John Lewis said, “It is unfortunate that the Council did not know about information given to the Oasis of Truth Church. Gilbert is known as a family-oriented community and our faith groups are a vital part of our Town. We want to keep it that way.” Lewis continued, “Gilbert has the largest celebration of the Constitution in the United States. During the third week of September, we have an entire week of community activities available to remind us of the important principles of the Constitution.” Vice-Mayor Linda Abbott commented, “This is a community with patriotic citizens who study and defend the Constitution. We understand the importance of maintaining religious freedom.”
Upon learning of the appeal, the Town Council members expressed overwhelming support to expedite changes in the code at a future meeting. Yesterday, Mayor Lewis and Acting Town Manager Collin DeWitt attended the Sunday worship services of the Oasis of Truth Church. DeWitt said, “We had a wonderful experience as we met with the three leaders of the church and their families. We are glad that they selected Gilbert as their home.” Mayor Lewis told church leaders that he will ask Town attorneys to include ADF and the Oasis of Truth Church in the review process this week of the proposed changes that will be presented to the Town Council on March 23. Lewis said, “We welcome their input and suggestions to ensure that church groups are able to meet and enjoy their Constitutional rights. Potentially, we may have a solution to this issue this week.”
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Mayor John Lewis , “Gilbert has the largest celebration of the Constitution in the United States. During the third week of September, we have an entire week of community activities available to remind us of the important principles of the Constitution.”
So do they actually read the constitution or just parade around town with it on a BANNER?
Vice-Mayor Linda Abbott commented, “This is a community with patriotic citizens who study and defend the Constitution. We understand the importance of maintaining religious freedom.”
Really? Then pray tell how did an ordinance get on the books prohibiting religious freedom in ones own home? Politicians-say what you like, and then change it when it becomes necessary to save your arse.
Thank God, they are rescinding this.
Once again, the Cafe shines the light where it needs to be.
I’m off to a tea party rally today. You help to keep us informed and energized.
Many thanks!
Larry, totally awesome!
I expect a report from you when you return from the tea party, young man… a few photos, if possible! Or a video link (see what happens when you tell me good news? LOL)