Our Legal Demand Letter

     Alright all you Christians, brothers and sisters in Christ.  All of you who conduct home bible studies in Phoenix, Arizona here is something you should know and hear:

TRANSCRIPT TRIAL August 17th, 2010

Michael Salman

"If i have a 30 minute bible study in my home on a weekly basis would I have to convert my home to a church."

FRANK DANCIL - BUILDING INSPECTOR AND SUPERVISOR

"That is correct."

MS:  What if I have a Birthday Party.
FD: No because that is considered incidental use.
MS:  So bible studies yes but biorthday parties no.
FD:  Thats correct per the building official
MS:  So who determines whether somethng needs to be converted versus not be converted?"
FD:  The Building Officials Interpertation.

THIS IS JUST A TOUCH OF WHAT IS IN THE SCRIPTS.  THE REST WILL BLOW YOUR SOCKS OFF.  The person who decides whether or not your bible studies should be residential or go commercial is nto the law but a person sitting behind a desk.  I can only pray that this guy loves God or that his or her spouse did not upset them when they made these determinations.  Folks this is what our laws protect us from.  Individualized assements.  When people lay aside the law and rules and go by what someone feels than we have a problem.  This is not what our nation is built on.  We are a democracy and not a monarchy.  We sent this letter giving the City of Phoenix and their officials 10 days to make things right.  Otherwise we are filing a lawsuit.  We understand that this is a battle but it is one that is detramental to our faith and our practice of our faith in our home and even in your home.  May Christ give us the same wisdom and power that he gave those who preceeded us in this fight.  In Jesus Name!

Michael & Suzanne Salman


7601 N. 31st Ave

Phoenix, Arizona 85051

602-299-9217


LETTER OF INTENT TO SUE

To: City of Phoenix Developmental Services, Planning Department, City Council Office, Mayors Office, City Prosecutors, and et. al. and To all and whom this may concern,

This letter serves as intent to sue. Your departments located in the City of Phoenix including the developmental services department and others are in violation of our constitutional rights. This serves as a 10 day notice to withdraw all prosecutions and harassments or we will be forced to file a complaint in the United States District Court for the violations hereby stated:

1) On or about May of 2009 Michael Salman was forced to appear in the City of Phoenix Municipal Court for City Code and Building Code Violations. The interpretation of the codes indicated that the activity conducted on the property of 7601 N. 31st Ave, Phoenix, Arizona 85051 was that of public assembly. Even though no proof has been shown that the Salmans were conducting Public Assembly, the interpretations that the religious gatherings on the property constitute a public assembly and so must conform to commercial standards. This negligence to the rights of the Salmans and a misinterpretation of the laws and codes is in extreme error. The City officials have taken the stand that whether public or private any religious gatherings of 2 or more people constitute a church and so must conform to assembly use standards. This in turn has caused a major and purposeful misinterpretation of the code. Further, after notification, the continuance of upholding this interpretation has caused and is causing a blatant and intentional violation of the 1st Amendment Right to Assemble, Free Exercise of Religion, The Arizona Free Religious Exercise Act and RLUIPA.

ALSO,

2) On or About January of 2009 the City of Phoenix Sign Department and Developmental Services began harassing the Salmans because they have religious decorations and declarations on the property. A cross and a reader board that declares scriptures and messages. The Salmans were informed that they needed to remove the signs or get a sign permit for the signs because they fall under the sign ordinance. The Salmans argued that this is their 1st Amendment Right to Freedom of Speech and Exercise of Religion, which cannot be regulated by the government unless there is some form of compelling governmental interest. Further the Salmans argued that these were not signs according to definition but rather expressions or speeches protected by the constitution. The City of Phoenix investigators and officials ignored such statements and on November of 2010 violated Suzanne Salman for erecting a sign without a permit.


In Conclusion,

The City of Phoenix City officials and investigators all John Does and Jane Does who are involved believe that they can trample on the rights of Americans and so violate them as they see fit. This type of prosecution is un-American. We live in the United States of America and should be protected by the government officials who have sworn to defend the constitution. Instead these same officials who were sworn to defend and uphold the constitution is going against it because of the few who complain that private religious activities should be regulated and controlled by the government.

This type of prosecution has caused and is causing great and irreparable harm to the Salmans including stress, grief and injustice. It is evident that the Salmans are highly religious people who stand on their religious convections and beliefs. If these violations are not withdrawn in 10 calendar days we will be forced to file a complaint in the court requesting relief and compensatory, punitive and actual damages.

Toys For Needy Families!

     I want to thank all my brothers and sisters in Christ who help make a difference in the lives of many people.  This year we delivered about 3-4 boxes of toys and goods to the family Shelter.  These were all donated brand new toys given by families in the fellowship.  The shelter and the kids were very very happy.  Each year families are effected by people like you.  May we continue to touch the heart of those in needs as we continue to give.  Thank you!

WANT TO GIVE:     Every year we help orphanages and family shelters with toys, clothing and finances.  Every year they are so happy when they see us coming because there is such a need.  As my wife and I give to those who are in need it brings out the joy that we have serving Christ.  Truly Jesus said it and it is true:  It is better to give than it is to receive.  In Jesus Name!

Thank you to all my family and friends and those who have helped this Year!

Its all good.

     This has been so far a very good and tiresome week.  Me and the legal team have been going through the transcripts of the trial and the letters and records we have kept over the years and I can not tell you how much there is.  It is almost as if I am re-living the trial again.  What is so shocking is the stuff that is being said by the invetigators and the inspectors and city officials during the trial and the emails and letters we have.  The lady working on filing the Federal Lawsuit even stated that she could not believe that judges would tolerate what was being said in trial and that how in heavens name does the law office allow these people to write these things.  She had been pointing out some very obvious violations of our rights that when we read it I could not believe that it was said.  As we are going through this and reading the statements that were said it makes me wonder whether or not the people saying it even realized what they were saying.  LOL.  At the same time we have an official record of what was said.  All that was said in court will be held accountable in another jurisdiction.  I said all that to say this:
     One day we will stand before God who has kept a record of all that we have said and done in life.  One day the books will be open and read and it makes me wonder whether we will be ashamed of what we did.  What will be an excuse to those who have refused Christ.  Those who choose to live their life without Jesus.  Those who live in sin.  If our court system which is made by man can keep such records what do you think God can do.  It is only through Christ can we be made clean and so find forgiveness for all our sins.  In doing that we repent and walk in His ways and find a life of joy and peace.  Thank you Jesus.  Amen.
     Now on another note.  We have submitted all our plans and we are moving forward.  I thank God for those who have been there financially, emotionally and spiritually and have continued to give us such support.  Without friends and family like that we know it would be very difficult.  Please continue to pray as we deal with the courts and the city.  We should have the lawsuit filed God willing in the next week or two.  So pray for us. 

The countdown

     Grace to you and peace from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.  Well it is has been a most glorious New Year.  To be able to spend time with family and friends and fellowship under His annointing has been the greatest.  God is so good.  Suzanne found out we are having another baby girl.  I am rejoicing.  The baby is so beautiful.  We have been so blessed to have children and be able to raise them in the Grace of God.  Thank you Jesus.  The neighborhood has been so quiet ever since someone moved out.  It really does make a difference among neighbors when those who cause discension are out of the way.  All our neighbors have been waving hello to us and have been polite.  The Lord has been good.
      As for our worshipping it has been awesome.  God is so good.  I love it when my family and friends gather at the home and worship with us.  This last Sunday we had worship and afterwards ate together.  It is so cool to watch all the children and families play together.  The kids playing football and children on the playground.  I pray that the change to the proeprty will not effect this type of fellowship.  I mean right now it is so good and peaceful and to convert the property into a commercial entity may lose this type of fellowship.  It really is scary.  We will still continue to fight such a change but in the meantime continue towards it to make sure nothing is hindered in our worship to God.  I guess in the end whatever God's will is it is. 
      With that said, it has been quite an eventful and surprising turnabout.  Last week we received notice from and I am surprised to say, the ACLU who is reviewing our case and considering it.  They informed us that they can not take on the previous conviction issue but may file a lawsuit and injunction against the ordinance and regulations that state that such requirements on private worship are unconstitutional and in turn bring the conviction on these points invalid and reversal.   I know what many people may say about the ACLU but the fact is these days the ADF and ACLJ are financially challenged.  The ADF informed us that they will file an Amicus Brief supporting our position when we file in Federal Court.  So it is going to be quite the event.  We are ready and willing to battle this to the finish and whatever God's will is so it is.  We love our City and pray for our city all the time.  Unfortunetley right now our city is run by those who have no fear of God or consideration to religious freedoms.  Just last year alone 5 churches and ministries have been attacked by those in our city.  Christ the King and Cross Roads Church and Us.  Why?  Because they are listening to a community of people who do not like what God's Church is doing.  This needs to stop and we are praying that it will in the Name of Jesus Christ.
      Now on a good note.  All the plan revisions are done and we should be submitting those this week.  So at least we are moving in the right direction.  Be wise as a serpent and peaceful as a dove.  Meanwhile my brothers and sisters in Christ I plead for you to pray for me also as we go through the planning and court stuff.  I will fight for the rights of our family and not only ours but all those who worship in their homes.Please pray and pass this prayer request on!!   May the grace of God be with you.