Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Christian Sentenced to Jail for Home Worship

We want to continually thank everyone who has and continues to help us fight this fight.  The City of Phoenix has been harassing Suzanne and I since 2007 infoming us that we could not have Bible Studies at our home.  Even though our home is not open to the public, our guest have never parked in the street or caused noise or traffic issues the City of Phoenix had warned us for a year period to cease and desist.  We have argued with the City that we have the same rights as anyone else to gather our property.  The City of Phoenix has stated that since our meetings are religious we had to become a "Church" and conform to an "A" Occupancy before having worship.  As Christians we had tried to cooperate with the City only to come up to the conclusion that someone in the City did not like us and changed the ordinance on us 3 times to prevent us from gathering.  After contacting an attorney and the Dept of Justice we were informed that our First Amendment Rights protect us to privately gather and worship.
     The City of Phoenix saw the practice of our faith as rebellion and charged me with 67 building code and zoning code violations because we were having worship but was not a "Church" ultimately they sentenced me to 60 days in Jail, 3 years probation and $12,000 in fines.  We are currently having to fight this in Federal Court.  I am to report to jail on July 9th, 2012.  Please see video above.  We want to first of all thank you for all your prayers and if there is one thing that we do envy it is your prayers.
     Many have asked how they can help financially to help us fight this.  Though we are not asking for money and know God will provide, we would like to allow those who feel a need to participate have a  chance to.  Please see the link below to donate to the Legal Fund.