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In San Juan Capistrano, CA a couple have been threatened with a $500 fine per meeting if they continue to meet in their home for Bible study. The city is in Orange County, CA. According to L.A. Now the couple have already been fined $300. Their case has been taken up by the Pacific Justice Institute.** (See update below)
Christians in America are blessed to have organizations like The Pacific Justice Institute and the ACLJ, American Center for Law and Justice who often come to the defense of people who find themselves in such circumstances. Jay Sekulow has made a positive difference in this country.
The case will most likely be resolved in favor of the couple if the meetings are not causing a problem in the residential neighborhood. If large numbers attracted to the meetings do cause a problem, perhaps carpooling could help solve any problems with neighbors.
As Christians we must remember that we are to be inoffensive and keep controversy at a minimum. Even so, the Bible has warned us that a time is coming when we will not have an easy time:
Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2:10
This is a reminder that Satan, the devil, is the enemy.
Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a shelter for me, a strong tower from the enemy. Psalms 61: 1b-2,3
** SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO (CBS) — City officials in San Juan Capistrano have taken steps to prevent future conflicts after sparking national outrage for fining and threatening a home Bible study group.
The City Council voted unanimously late Tuesday night to adopt changes to its zoning code after lawyers from the Pacific Justice Institute went to court earlier this year to defend Chuck and Stephanie Fromm, who were fined $300 last November for holding “a regular gathering of more than three people”.
The city ultimately reversed course and refunded the fines it had levied against the family, and now seeks to amend its municipal code in cooperation with the Fromm family to find a solution.
Related articles
- San Juan Capistrano Fines Family for Reading Bible without Permit (reason.com)
- Bible Study At Home A No-No (gadabout-blogalot.com)
- California Couple Fined $300 for Holding Home Bible Studies (foxnews.com)
- -California City Fines Home Bible Study (answersforthefaith.com)
