9.19.06
Two More Victories for Our First Liberty - Religious FreedomThis week, I have two more God-given victories to report to you:
In San Diego, California, we reached final settlement in Canyon Ridge Baptist Church v. City of San Diego (see ADF Weekly News Alert, 6/27/2006). Earlier this summer, a U.S. District Court granted a preliminary injunction against the city - which had been charging the church a much higher fee than it charged other groups for the use of a local recreation center. The court ruled that the city cannot charge the higher fee.
ADF attorneys Tim Chandler and Heather Gebelin Hacker (right with ADF
client) argued on behalf of the church. As a result of this final settlement, the city will pay the church the total amount the Church had overpaid in rent, plus 5% interest. In addition, the church will be allowed to use the recreation center at the reduced rental rate - a savings of $2500 per month from what they had previously paid.
Finally, all other religious organizations will be eligible for "equal charges" if they meet neutral criteria for the discount.
We praise God for this tremendous victory for not only Canyon Ridge Baptist Church - but for other churches and religious organizations that will now be able to use this and other centers on the same terms and conditions that other community groups enjoy!
In St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, River of Compassion Ministries was denied a permit to build a home for unwed teenage mothers, despite the fact that the ministry had met all of the requirements for the permit and had received the approval of the Department of Development.
ADF allied attorney William Magee, of the Covington, Louisiana law firm, Magee & Devereux, filed suit in state district court on behalf of the ministry. After negotiations with the parish officials, the home can now be built.
Attorney Magee says: "We are pleased that these young mothers will now have a safe place to go. By agreeing to do the right thing, St. Tammany Parish officials have avoided further needless litigation and have allowed the construction of a home for these girls and their unborn babies, both of whom require a caring and compassionate environment in which to live."
Thank you for making these God-given victories possible through your faithful prayers and support. As a result, countless lives can now be touched by the love and grace of the Gospel.
Read the ADF press release to learn more...
Prayer Requests | Visit the ADF prayer page
"Without Christ, we can do nothing." - John 15:5
- Please continue to pray for the same-sex "marriage" decisions presently pending in New Jersey, California, and Maryland.
- Please pray for continued wisdom for the many legal battles ahead.
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