Couple Ordered to Stop Holding Bible Study at Home Without Permit

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 its not only us thats involved," Mary Jones said. "There are thousands and thousands of Bible studies that are held all across the country. What were interested in is setting a precedent here — before it goes any further — and that we have it settled for the future."

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• bible study
• san diego

[brian48leathertech]

This is outrageous-does that mean you can't have a party or gathering in your own home? The state has absolutely NO RIGHT WHAT SO EVER to do this. Have you considered calling the American Center for Law and Justice?

[brian48leathertech]

@tishsuz

The early church didn't have buildings and ONLY met in homes-You will find nothing in the bible about the "church" being a building!

[iandyha]

if he has to get a permit i think he shouldn't have to pay taxes like most religious officials...

[freedomfighterguy1]

The government has no right to do this.

[peanutgirl4ever]

yay! Revelation is cumming sooooooon! =) no matter what ppl say i will stand up for Christ! even if it kills me. =D

[timothy7815]

what a ridiculous and dreadful situation in America!!

[recyclecongress]

Pretty soon, big brother is going to make us get permits to BREATHE!

[tishsuz]

On the forms that were publicized, the original charge was holding a religious meeting without a permit. The parking issue came up later. Also, the pastor paid for the "ding" on the persons car. There was only one neighbor, out of many, who complained. Having said that, we are instructed by the Bible to obey the laws of man, as long as it is not in conflict with the Bible. I have yet to find a passage that says to have Bible studies at home. The church building can be used to keep the law.

[amberview30]

@dleblanc I must have been in a snarky mood when I wrote that. However, there are zoning laws for a reason. Usually it's a parking problem and possibly a fire hazard. It depends on how many friends you have over and how often.

[dleblanc]

@amberview30 A 'church' is just a building. What's wrong with using his house? Do people buy buildings to hang out with friends and watch football games... or do they just invite them over to their house?