In a story I covered a few weeks ago, Michael Salman, a volunteer pastor at Harvest Christian fellowship was ordered to report to the Maricopa County Jail this morning at 10:00 MST. In what is an absolute travesty of justice and an absolute abuse of power by the city of Phoenix Arizona, they have sent a good man to jail for holding a Bible study and worship at his home. The flies directly in the face of our first amendment rights. I know that if I was living in Phoenix Arizona, I would be organizing picketers at the county courthouse and the Maricopa county jail. Here are some excerpts from the update to this story that I found on ChristianNews.net
Michael Salmon Update – Now In Jail
By: Heather Clark
The pastor in Phoenix, Arizona that was sentenced to 60-days incarceration for holding worship meetings on his private property is now in jail.
“I have spent time with my family this morning praying, crying and saying our goodbye. My heart is broken, but glory to God,” Michael Salman, father of six, wrote on his Facebook page this morning. “Our God wil take care of us and my family. Please pray for us! Until God opens the prison’s door, I will be with you all in prayer and spirit.”
Salman had reported to jail on June 17th, but was released three hours later as computers at the facility were not recognizing the code that he had purportedly violated. On June 28th, City Judge Sally Gaines rescheduled Salman’s sentence for June 9th, vowing that the technicality would be corrected by that date.
“Mayor Stanton, please free my dad Michael Salman. I do not want to lose my dad,” wrote the couple’s 11-year-old daughter Rachel to Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton on Saturday. “Mayor, if you would have been there when he left [last time], you would have cried too. We were all so torn by what they did to him. I am so scared and to not be able to see my dad for 2 months will be very hard on me and my family. My other 5 sisters were very torn too, even the baby was crying. My mom was the most torn of all.”
The Salman’s had originally held the gatherings in their living room, but officials continued to press them that if they were going to host meetings in their home, they would have to convert their house into a church. Correspondence from the city outlined, “…Bible studies are not allowed to be conducted in your residence. The simple and direct answer [as to why] is that the Bible study use requires a change of occupancy.”
In 2009, the couple built a 2,000 square foot game room behind the house, which was permitted by authorities, and was apparently permissible for gatherings as long as it was used for private recreation. Later, the Salman’s moved their personal worship meetings to the building and used it for religious purposes. Once neighbors notified officials that they suspected the family was hosting worship each Sunday in the building, they were raided by police.
In 2010, the city officially pressed criminal charges against Salman, which he has been fighting for two years. They stated that the preacher must facilitate handicapped parking at his home, as well as handicapped bathrooms, although none of his family and friends are handicapped.
The regulations are a result of the city’s adoption of standards imposed by the International Code Council. The organization was founded in 1994 by Building Officials and Code Administrators International, Inc. (BOCA) of Country Club Hills, Illinois, International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) of Whittier, California and Southern Building Code Congress International, Inc. (SBCCI) of Birmingham, Alabama. Since its inception, the International Code Council has been urging cities across America to adopt and enforce its unified codes, many of which are now doing so. Failure to comply can result in criminal penalties for citizens.
The Salman’s explained that if Tielborg denies to issue the injunction and release the pastor from jail, the next step is to file an appeal with the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, along with a habeus corpus.
“If enough people don’t stand up now, it’s going to be so big and so out of control that no one is going to be able to stop it,” Suzanne Salman stated.
“If I go to jail, I’m ready to preach the Gospel there,” Michael Salman stated.
source: http://christiannews.net/phoenix-pastor-sentenced-for-holding-home-worship-meetings-now-in-jail/
Video of the Bible study and the effect on the neighborhood.
Video of police raiding Michael Salmon’s home.
Will you stand up against this religious persecution of the Salman family and stand against government violation of our religious liberties?
You have a cell phone, you have an email, if you live in Phoenix Arizona, you have your self. Will you do what is right and stand up for the Salman family? You have the Mayor’s name, You have where he works. Will you call, write, and go in person demanding this mans release? Are you willing to make it such a public relations nightmare that the city of Phoenix publicly repents of their actions? I have written, and called. Will you?
Righteously indignant!
Pastor Duke
Make your voice heard!!!!!
Sign the Petition to Free Michael Salman at Change.org
When I posted this link to the petition, there was 1,100 signatures. Now there is 7,000!
For your information update.
I called the Maricopa County jail, and confirmed that Michael Salman is currently incarcerated at the Tent City facility. The phone number is :1 (602)-876-0322 ext.2. Then I also called Sheriff Joe Arapio’s office and talked to administrative officals there to apprise them of the situation. Left my name and number with a comment. The general comment line for the Sheriff’s office is: 1 (602) 876 -1801..then press ext 7, for recording a comment or 6 to get a live person in administration. This is something I believe that all pastors should be encouraged to be informed about, and get active over. I hope that this information helps.
Sincerely,
Rob
The first amendment to the constitution.
I just want to remind everyone what the constitution says before you comment about obeying the laws of the land. These zoning laws are in direct violation of that constitution.
Let me remind you exactly what the first amendment says.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
The city of Phoenix has violated the first amendment specifically states that government cannot make a law hindering the free exercise of religion.
I think this sums it all up concerning the government’s intrusion into our religious liberties.
First they came for the communists,
and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a Jew.
Then they came for me
and there was no one left to speak out for me.
Martin Niemöller – German Lutheran Pastor taken to a concentration camp in Nazi Germany.
Click Here for the latest Michael Salman update.
About the Author:
Pastor Duke Taber has been a believer in Jesus for 33 years. He has been a pastor for over 20 years currently serving at the Vineyard church in Pine Haven Wyoming and was formerly the secretary treasurer of White Pine County Ministerial Association. He is an alumnus of LIFE Bible College and Multnomah Biblical Seminary. He is a syndicated blogger at The Christian Post and Believe.com You can connect with Pastor Duke on Google+, Twitter, or on Facebook
PastorDuke – who has written 727 posts on Taber's Truths Christian Living Magazine.
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Pastor Duke…
Take it from someone who knew this guy…he is no Pastor. And the fact is, at the end of the year, he considers that “game room” a church for tax purposes and felt that just because he belonged to the Embassy of GOD, he didn’t have to abide by the law in the city of Phoenix…or ANY law for that matter. First, everyone thought he was being attacked because he is a Christian…then the more and more he has been in the spotlight, more disturbing information has came out about him. $73,000 he is accused of defrauding from ACCCHS…he owns a processing company and can afford to pay for health insurance, I’m sure. Does this sound like a Pastor to you? We all fall short of the glory of God but the truth is God is punishing him…that’s why he is in jail. God knows what wrong he has done and in His name! It’s only natural for you to want to stick up for him but why bother? It’s only a matter of time before even more information about Mr. Salman comes out supporting why he deserves to sweat his Holy buns off in Tent City.
Seriously my friend. I don’t care if he is a Scientoligist, Mormon, or Moonie. The issue is the fact that the city of Phoenix violated the 1st amendment of the constitution. Plain and simple.
The city of Phoenix isn’t trying to to hinder his freedom to exercise religion…they want him to abide by the building codes like everyone else has to! What makes him different? You are missing the point that he lied in the first place about what that space was gonna be used for. Like I said before, when the inspectors came to his property and said, “Hey, this Church is in violation of many building codes.” Mr. Salman insists, ” This isn’t a church…it’s my private property and me and friends gather here to worship.” Well, during tax season he can consider it a church for that big write off at the end of the year, but when he is told that he is in violation, THEN it’s just a game room. Do you see what I mean? My friend, you have no idea who this man really is. Don’t be one of those foofoo’s crying as you picket, ” His right’s have been violated!” No…..people, he didn’t learn his lesson the first time in the pen and that’s why he is headed back.
Monroe, I am not going to argue with you. Read the first amendment, read the Religious Land Use Act. They are in violation of both, no matter your personal feelings about Michael Salmon.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religious_Land_Use_and_Institutionalized_Persons_Act
I have 4 or 5 different stories on this issue, not just with Michael Salmon. Just remember my friend, if you decide to hold a Bible study in your house, the city of Phoenix thinks it is their prerogative to tell you if you can or not.
I mean no disrespect to you, Pastor, nor am I here to argue. I will tell you that if I was a pastor and I decided to designate a piece of my property to weekly worships for my family and friends, it would be my personal responsibility to see to it that that facility was safe for my followers; that NO ONE could question that sanctuary for any reason. That’s just me. In response to my view being skewed because of my personal feelings, that is not so. I said I KNEW him… many many years ago. Not shocked to learn of his demise I will say. This man fells he can say and do whatever he wants in the name of the Lord and that is wrong. Our Lord knows its wrong. Let’s say mans’ law didn’t exist…what about God’s law?
Romans 2:12 All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law.
The only personal feeling i have about this is that I AM a Christian and my brother in Christ, Mr. Salman has abused that privilege to preach the gospel and is a poor representative of our Lord, Jesus Christ…and God knows it.
The facts of this case do not support this article.
http://inexhaustiblesignificance.wordpress.com/2012/07/17/american-christians-must-wage-war-for-wrongfully-jailed-az-bible-study-host/
Actually Rueben, they do. Read this! http://taberstruths.com/michael-salman-facts-why-the-city-of-phoenix-is-guilty-of-violating-first-amendment-rights-84675/
I’m thankful Noah Didn’t cave on the no Ark’s zoning law.
I like that Steve!
I’m thankful Noah Didn’t cave on the no Ark’s zoning law.
I like that Steve!
I think we are to glorify God in all we do. In the face of controversy (barring life threatening situations) We are called to be peacemakers first. As followers of Christ I believe we must be above reproach on things like this. Get all the correct permits, pay for them twice, move the meeting, whatever it takes to show God’s love and by all means invite the perceived persecutors. This is our opportunity to model what following Christ looks like. My two cents. The current debate is missing the mark a bit although it is spirited and insightful. We must remember that the world watches us to see our Lord.
Steve, this was a comment posted on my other article on Michael Salmon http://taberstruths.com/michael-salman-update-suzanne-salman-and-attorney-john-whitehead-speak-out-61465/
I would just like to share it with you as an opposing view.
To the people who like to quote Romans 13 in a case like this, please look up some of the heroes of the faith. Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, Daniel, Gideon, Barak, Samson, and Jephthae all DISOBEYED civil government, and God brags on them for it in Hebrews 11.
Have you heard some television or radio preacher say something to the effect, “Well, I’m glad we were given freedom here in the United States, but our Founding Fathers were wrong to rebel against the British Crown. According to Romans 13, they should have submitted to King George.” That is hypocrisy!
To all of the Romans 13 Pharisees out there, I say, if you are really going to believe and preach that garbage, at least be honest enough to stop celebrating Independence Day on July 4. It was the day when men became traitors to Great Britain and officially declared a revolutionary war. And stop flying the Stars and Stripes in your church auditoriums. It was the flag of rebellion. How dare you say America’s founders violated Romans 13 in one breath and with the next breath say you thank God for the freedom that was purchased AT THE SACRIFICE OF THE BLOOD OF THE MEN YOU SAY VIOLATED ROMANS 13!
Of course, let me be careful to say that real Christians are peacemakers. They desire to live a quiet and peaceable life with their neighbors, their civil authorities, and even with other nations. They readily recognize and respect lawful, God-ordained authority. But, at the same time, they will not surrender that which is holy and give it to swine! They absolutely will not become toadies for unlawful government that attempts to usurp the God-given authority and jurisdiction to which it has been divinely assigned!
This is an excerpt from an article by Chuck Baldwin entitled, “What will they say to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego?”
I think we are to glorify God in all we do. In the face of controversy (barring life threatening situations) We are called to be peacemakers first. As followers of Christ I believe we must be above reproach on things like this. Get all the correct permits, pay for them twice, move the meeting, whatever it takes to show God’s love and by all means invite the perceived persecutors. This is our opportunity to model what following Christ looks like. My two cents. The current debate is missing the mark a bit although it is spirited and insightful. We must remember that the world watches us to see our Lord.
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All I can say on this is, “Wow!” I have read all of the comments and my head is spinning.
I don’t even feel remotely qualified to put in my 2 cents worth, because I am still confused about the zoning laws. I just pray that this gets resolved peacefully.
My friend,
It is real confusing. When it comes right down to it, the question is this. Does the government have the right to tell a person who can worship and where.
All I can say on this is, “Wow!” I have read all of the comments and my head is spinning.
I don’t even feel remotely qualified to put in my 2 cents worth, because I am still confused about the zoning laws. I just pray that this gets resolved peacefully.
My friend,
It is real confusing. When it comes right down to it, the question is this. Does the government have the right to tell a person who can worship and where.
I hope people will understand why I am saying this.
Sometimes I really have a hard time dealing with Christians. You see a man standing up for all of our religious liberties and you support him, and you get a bunch of ninnies debating whether 15-20 people is a church or a bible study and whether or not it meets in a living room or a rec room set up with chairs and a podium. Grrrrr.
This is not an isolated incident. Cities and towns across this nation are violating our religious rights with zoning laws. This is just the most publicized at this point and has the potential of reversing the tide. Here are a couple of other examples.
http://taberstruths.com/rockdale-county-georgia-using-zoning-laws-to-prevent-churches-from-starting-67785/
http://taberstruths.com/santa-ana-california-gives-mars-hill-church-eviction-notice-69568/
I hope people will understand why I am saying this.
Sometimes I really have a hard time dealing with Christians. You see a man standing up for all of our religious liberties and you support him, and you get a bunch of ninnies debating whether 15-20 people is a church or a bible study and whether or not it meets in a living room or a rec room set up with chairs and a podium. Grrrrr.
This is not an isolated incident. Cities and towns across this nation are violating our religious rights with zoning laws. This is just the most publicized at this point and has the potential of reversing the tide. Here are a couple of other examples.
http://taberstruths.com/rockdale-county-georgia-using-zoning-laws-to-prevent-churches-from-starting-67785/
http://taberstruths.com/santa-ana-california-gives-mars-hill-church-eviction-notice-69568/
If he was holding an informal bible study in a his house, then the local government has violated his rights.
If he built an add-on to his house specifically hold worship services, has pews/seats and a pulpit setup, and posts signs in his yard advertising the meetings, then you can call it whatever you want, but it’s not a “bible study” anymore– it’s a congregation meeting for corporate worship….i.e, a church.
From a ministry standpoint, if his “bible study” grew to such a point that it outgrew his house, then split the thing up into multiple groups and reach more of the community.
I’m a pastor, and if the comment stream is carrying correct information (signs in the yard, seating and a pulpit setup, etc), then we’re not talking about a bible study– we’re talking about a church, and we have decades of established law on churches, rec centers, schools, commercial buildings, etc that he is breaking. Calling it a bible study is a cop-out to skirt the law.
Just because it’s not a church building doesn’t mean it’s not a church.
Brian
In my home I have instrument and a music stand and lots of music but I am not a business. Sometimes many of us get together and sing and play. I am not a music studio, etc.
I also have lots of paints, brushes, easels and canvasses. I am not in the business of being an art studio. Yes we have friends and family that get together and draw and paint.
I have several Bibles, study guides and many time gatherings to study God’s word. I am not a church. No matter how you put it the choice to call it a Bible study or a church gathering is a person’s not the government’s.
Since a church is a nonprofit organization anyhow the government still has no say. They are not missing out on any taxes or anything. There is no business without the sale of a service or product.
I also know of some people that bought a church building to make their home, by the way. It doesn’t mean it’s a church.
This is just my opinion and I am also a pastor.
If he was holding an informal bible study in a his house, then the local government has violated his rights.
If he built an add-on to his house specifically hold worship services, has pews/seats and a pulpit setup, and posts signs in his yard advertising the meetings, then you can call it whatever you want, but it’s not a “bible study” anymore– it’s a congregation meeting for corporate worship….i.e, a church.
From a ministry standpoint, if his “bible study” grew to such a point that it outgrew his house, then split the thing up into multiple groups and reach more of the community.
I’m a pastor, and if the comment stream is carrying correct information (signs in the yard, seating and a pulpit setup, etc), then we’re not talking about a bible study– we’re talking about a church, and we have decades of established law on churches, rec centers, schools, commercial buildings, etc that he is breaking. Calling it a bible study is a cop-out to skirt the law.
Just because it’s not a church building doesn’t mean it’s not a church.
Brian, I disagree. Here are the reasons why. If it was a rec room, dance studio, ect that had people invited to in a social gathering, the city of Phoenix would not be pressing this issue. It is because it was a bible study that has gotten them up in arms. It used to be in his living room until in 2009 the city of Phoenix started pressuring him on this issue. It has only escalated. He tried to comply and they kept on adding requirements. At some point it has to be stood up to. Regardless, the question remains. Does the government have the constitutional right to prohibit the free expression of religion on private property? I think not.
OK so this guy is following Christ? Jesus told us to obey the laws of the land. You are never going to convince me that he was not aware of the zoning laws. Give me a break he knew what he was doing. That is why he….lied I think would be the correct word. He never used the “rec room” as anything but a church building. He applied for a permit to build a rec. room and didn’t. If he is going to cry fowl and say they are persecuting a “christian” then he needs to start acting like one. Also we read numerous accounts of apostles, disciples and even our Lord going to jail, being beaten and some were killed. Where do we read of them calling for protests? They did their time and trusted God to deal with the situation.
Having spent time in jail for something I didn’t do I know what is going through his mind. When the judge offered to release me…sorry I stayed because I could do some real ministry there. Since I have gotten out I still disciple 3 men that have also been released. That my friends is the “church”. Not building a “rec room” based on lies and deceit.
I will be praying that this man hears from God and gets back in line with His word.
Bill, the zoning laws are not constitutional, thus they are not the laws of the land. Your argument was used with Rosa Parks, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and many others including against our founding fathers.
“Bill, the zoning laws are not constitutional..”
LMAO!!! Where in the constitution or what Supreme Court case are you referring to?
“The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.” (10th Amendment)
States have the power to pass laws that are not forbidden, or allocated to the Federal Govt. State govt’s establish systems of local govt. That’s where local laws come in.
LOL, The federal constitution has superseded state law time and time again. The government, federal, state, and local cannot violate the first amendment.
The First Amendment applies to the government — to protect individuals from government censorship. While the text of the First Amendment says “Congress shall make no law … abridging the freedom of speech,” it means that no federal, state or local government official can infringe on your free-speech rights. A private company is not a government or state and therefore generally is not subject to the requirements of the First Amendment.
http://1forall.us/about/the-first-amendment/
There is a difference between the gathering place (temple) and the home– Acts 2-3 tells us that there were distinct meetings in both places.
I live in the Bible Belt. I’ve never seen a “bible study” post signs in the yard, have a dedicated room with pews and a pulpit, and hold weekly meetings in a dedicated space. Around here we call that a church.
I guarantee that if he had built a “dance studio” and had weekly meetings with 15-20 cars in the street creating alot of noise that neighbors would have complained about that too.
Again, the central issue here is not if his rights were violated, but if what was going on was a church or a simple bible study. If your other commenter’s information is correct, then it sounds like he was trying to have a church, not a bible study.
Brian, not 15 to 20 cars. 15-20 people. That is a Bible study in my book.
a 15-20 person bible study doesn’t need pews and a pulpit. I’ve been to lots of bible studies in my life, and I’ve never seen one setup like a sanctuary. Bible studies by nature are usually informal– circled chairs, etc. Rows of chairs and a pulpit in a dedicated space is a church.
I’ve read 15-20 cars in several places and I’ve seen one report that is ran up to 40 people at times…..I’ll hold off on that point since it’s up for clarification.
Still……to a neighborhood and municipality, a dedicated space with arranged chairs and a pulpit with a sign in the yard is more than a simple bible study. If all that is true and I lived in the neighborhood, I would call that a church.
So you want to give the government the right to dictate how we set up our houses and bible studies? Personally it is easier to set up your chairs, not pews, in a row to seat people in limited space. However Brian, this started in 2009 when it was in his living room. Deal with that for a second and then think, if you wanted to have a bible study in your home, what should be the criteria for judging the difference between a bible study and a bona-fide church? Then ask yourself if you want a secular government deciding that for you?
I don’t need the government to tell me. Common sense tells me that if he has set up a dedicated space to hold a meeting and put a giant sign in his yard (which can be seen on his own Youtube video), then it’s not just a little bible study anymore– it’s a church.
I live in a county with 400 churches and I’m sure there are at least a couple hundred bible studies going on. I know of ZERO bible studies that put signs out for advertising to the public– because that’s what churches do.
My point Brian is whether or not you want the door opened for the government to tell you. This is not an isolated incident.
If a sign is what designates the difference between a Bible study or a church, then what about bumper stickers? Nativity Scenes, ect. I personally do not want to give the government the right to decide what is a church and what is a Bible study. They will abuse it.
Brian
In my home I have instrument and a music stand and lots of music but I am not a business. Sometimes many of us get together and sing and play. I am not a music studio, etc.
I also have lots of paints, brushes, easels and canvasses. I am not in the business of being an art studio. Yes we have friends and family that get together and draw and paint.
I have several Bibles, study guides and many time gatherings to study God’s word. I am not a church. No matter how you put it the choice to call it a Bible study or a church gathering is a person’s not the government’s.
Since a church is a nonprofit organization anyhow the government still has no say. They are not missing out on any taxes or anything. There is no business without the sale of a service or product.
I also know of some people that bought a church building to make their home, by the way. It doesn’t mean it’s a church.
This is just my opinion and I am also a pastor.
Yet Michael Salmon filed a 501(3)C status to not pay taxes on his property. He distributed fliers for his church and took up a tithe to pay for upkeep.
Again, the 501c3 was for his prison ministry, not for the church. And there is no proof they every made the services open to the public.
Here is an update sent to me by a fellow pastor.
For your information update. I called the Maricopa County jail, and confirmed that Michael Salman is currently incarcerated at the Tent City facility. The phone number is :1 (602)-876-0322 ext.2. Then I also called Sheriff Joe Arapio’s office and talked to administrative officals there to apprise them of the situation. Left my name and number with a comment. The general comment line for the Sheriff’s office is: 1 (602) 876 -1801..then press ext 7, for recording a comment or 6 to get a live person in administration. This is something I believe that all pastors should be encouraged to be informed about, and get active over. I hope that this information helps.
Sincerely,
Rob
Here is an update sent to me by a fellow pastor.
For your information update. I called the Maricopa County jail, and confirmed that Michael Salman is currently incarcerated at the Tent City facility. The phone number is :1 (602)-876-0322 ext.2. Then I also called Sheriff Joe Arapio’s office and talked to administrative officals there to apprise them of the situation. Left my name and number with a comment. The general comment line for the Sheriff’s office is: 1 (602) 876 -1801..then press ext 7, for recording a comment or 6 to get a live person in administration. This is something I believe that all pastors should be encouraged to be informed about, and get active over. I hope that this information helps.
Sincerely,
Rob
[...] (Taberstruths.com) In a story I covered a few weeks ago, Michael Salman, a volunteer pastor at Harvest Christian fellowship was ordered to report to the Maricopa County Jail this morning at 10:00 MST. In what is an absolute travesty of justice and an absolute abuse of power by the city of Phoenix Arizona, they have sent a good man to jail for holding a Bible study and worship at his home. The flies directly in the face of our first amendment rights. I know that if I was living in Phoenix Arizona, I would be organizing picketers at the county courthouse and the Maricopa county jail. [...]
Not one time did i ever claimed to be from anywhere. What you should find more interesting is that your target is way off. What “I” find interesting is that you are trying to locate me and trying to share that info publicly. What I find “amusing” is that you failed. Are you trying to look up my IP, or did your traceroot time out on the wrong location
Nah, I was just curious since you seemed to be someone that was intimately involved with the situation citing the concern for the amount of cars that 15-20 people might bring to the neighborhood. I just did a reverse IP address look up based on the IP address that each of your comments left. It says you come from San Francisco. If that is not the case, then more than likely you are using a proxy which again is interesting. Not a crime but interesting. I have already answered your citation of the biblical scripture that talks about submitting to the rulers of the land. There is no rebellion going on here. There is a demand that the rulers of the land submit to the constitution of the land. We are a constitutional republic. That means we have rights.
This is outrageous. How is this happening in America? Is there any information we don’t know?
I have been watching this Earl, basically they are trying to prevent him from holding a Bible study with zoning laws.
Earl there is a LOT not being said depending on which site you go to. They are not persecuting him or his religion. They are jailing a man who repeatedly refuses to obey the city zoning laws and defies code enforcement and uses his religion as an excuse to do so. It is very sad how this is creating such an uproar on both sides of the fence. Here are some sites that will aid in giving you a complete picture for you to draw your own INFORMED decision.
some background on Michael Salman (you’ll have to scroll down a ways to get to him):
http://home.conservativebabylon.com/2012/06/22/black-collar-crime-round-up-june-22-2012/
Michael Salman’s own words:
http://www.change.org/petitions/free-michael-salman#share
additional article (warning: contains some inaccurate information and careful editing of the facts):
http://endoftheamericandream.com/archives/60-days-in-prison-and-a-12180-for-hosting-a-home-bible-study-in-arizona#comment-97166
and of course take the time to read the comments for a more complete picture.
Thank you for reading!
Salem, thanks for those links. The question here is whether or not the city has the right to zone religion. Constitutionally it does not.
It can’t zone religion, it can zone buildings.
If the local government allows any buildings on private property for private use, i.e. rec rooms, party rooms, ect. Then it must allow rooms for worship otherwise it is discriminatory.
Here Mr. Grand Master. This is the law.
In religious land use disputes, RLUIPA’s general rule is the most commonly cited and challenged section. It provides:
General rule. No government shall impose or implement a land use regulation in a manner that imposes a substantial burden on the religious exercise of a person, including a religious assembly or institution, unless the government can demonstrate that imposition of the burden on that person, assembly or institution
is in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest; and
is the least restrictive means of furthering that compelling governmental interest.
Scope of Application. This subsection applies in any case in which–
the substantial burden is imposed in a program or activity that receives Federal financial assistance, even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability; or
the substantial burden affects, or removal of that substantial burden would affect, commerce with foreign nations, among the several States, or with Indian tribes, even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability; or
the substantial burden is imposed in the implementation of a land use regulation or system of land use regulations, under which a government makes, or has in place formal or informal procedures or practices that permit the government to make, individualized assessments of the proposed uses for the property involved.
42 U.S.C. § 2000cc-5(a).
During these disputes, the correct interpretation of the term “land use regulation” is almost always an issue. The statute defines “land use regulation” as “a zoning or landmarking law, or the application of such a law, that limits or restricts a claimant’s use or development of land (including a structure affixed to land), if the claimant has an ownership, leasehold, easement, servitude, or other property interest in the regulated land or a contract or option to acquire such an interest.” 42 U.S.C. § 2000cc-5(5).
[edit]RLUIPA’s Effect on Zoning
Currently being litigated is the conflict RLUIPA presents to municipalities’ zoning and regulating rights.[citation needed] Through RLUIPA, Congress has expanded religious accommodations to a point where it appears to restrict municipalities’ zoning power. Arguably, RLUIPA gives religious landowners a special right to challenge land use laws which their secular neighbors do not have. Even if a zoning law is void of discrimination, the court reviewing a challenge will apply strict scrutiny to the city’s regulation.[citation needed]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religious_Land_Use_and_Institutionalized_Persons_Act
Duke.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2013:1-2&version=NIV
Or
Submission to Governing Authorities
13 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
Dave, those governing authorities are violating our constitutional rights. Just as Martin Luther King Jr. opposed unjust laws, we as well have the right to oppose those self same laws. If you truly believe that scripture applies to this situation, then I suggest you start petitioning that the government of the U.S. is not valid either, since this nation was born resisting unjust laws.
You need all the facts, not just what a Salman WANTS you to see.
Michael Salman, ordained Church of God in Christ (COGIC) minister; pastor, Harvest Christian Fellowship (also: Facebook); and owner, Mighty Mike’s Burgers, Phoenix, Arizona; to 60 days in jail and three years of probation for “representing as a church on his home property without securing the proper permits,” reports the Christian Post. azfamily.com reports: “Inside a back building on his property … is a pulpit and chairs — room for the 30 to 40 who gather here weekly. Still Salman insists this is no public church. … Inspectors say for what Salman was doing, he needed dozens of building and safety updates. All Salman says he was doing was practicing freedom of religion. The court disagreed. … The Maricopa County Prosecutor’s Office tells 3TV that this is not a religious freedom issue, but that Salman has consistently refused to comply with building codes and safety standards that are required by law.” In one of his protest videos posted to YouTube (under the alias “Kryptologos”), Salman declares: “I’m a criminal because I’m a Christian.”
The Christian Post also notes that “the Salmans have launched an online petition on Change.org directed to the ‘Mayor and City Council’ of Phoenix. So far, only 93 visitors have signed the petition, which needs 100,000 supporters.” That may be because angry neighbors are upset about his building a 4,200-square-foot structure up against the property line, according to a lengthy 2008 profile in the Phoenix New Times, which quotes several neighbors, including one who recounted a neighborhood meeting with Salman: “He gave us a lecture on the fact that all of us were going to make money on our property, and if we were true Christians, we ought to be willing to sacrifice a little bit. … That meeting is where the real animosity started. He made no effort at being conciliatory or cooperative. That really united the neighbors against him. He was his own worst enemy.”
The New Times also reports that Salman — who has been divorced, yet is reportedly vehemently opposed to marriage equality — is a former gang member with a prison record, and was once arrested for impersonating a police officer, purportedly in order to scare a boy who was “fooling around” with a girl in Salman’s church. Two years earlier, Salman, “hoping to scare the hell out of a kid who’d been messing with his girlfriend’s little brother,” reportedly “donned a Raiders T-shirt and fired five rounds from a .38 special into the kid’s house,” nearly hitting the boy’s mother. He was found guilty of aggravated assault and sentenced to six years in prison. Also: “In 1994, Salman had filed paperwork claiming that he belonged to the Embassy of God. That meant, the document claimed, that he didn’t need to follow United States law.”
Salman has not yet begun his 60-day sentence; when he surrended June 16th, jail officials “inexplicably” sent him home. Story: Phoenix New Times, January 17, 2008; Phoenix New Times, April 15, 2011; azfamily.com, June 19, 2012; Phoenix New Times, June 20, 2012; Christian Post, June 21, 2012. See also: “Dips— of the Week,” (language NSFW), an eye-opening video dissecting Salman’s video-sermons, which claims that Salman is in favor of “assassination” in some instances, and condones the assassination of Dr. George Tiller.
A. He reported today. He was ordered to report today. So your information is out of date.
B. I am divorced. It is not a crime to be a pastor and be divorced.
C. A man’s past does not make his constitutional rights void. This is about cities persecuting and violating civil rights through zoning ordinances.
D. Thanks for letting me know about the petition at Change.org. However once again your facts are wrong. there are nearly 1100 signatures on that petition and I am now including it on this article.
You see, as much as the neighbors might not like it, the man has the right to worship on his own property in the fashion he deems fit, and that includes inviting friends over to worship with him.
Government may not prohibit the free expression of religion. Including with zoning ordinances.
he has used his address as a business address as well as a “church” address. Considering that the address has been listed as an actual church, he must follow zoning laws. ‘Give unto Cesar” and all that. If you have 20 or so cars from your friends / congregation in the streets, and it is in fact being used as a church, build a parking lot in your yard to clear up the streets. They are not telling him that he can not have bible study in his house, they are telling him that if he is going to claim it is a church and have gatherings that he must them follow the law which he thinks does not include him. Rather than just feel sorry for him and allow what he is saying to sway you to believe big bro is out to get the christians, why not do a little more research.
No one should EVER automatically believe or trust someone because they claim to be a pastor. I learned that lesson when i was a kid when i was at Sunday school when I was 6 and brother barney put a knife to my throat.
I agree, he does have the right to invite friends over to worship as he sees fit, however when you a clogging the streets 3 times a week you are creating a hazard and being an inconsiderate neighbor when you show a total lack of respect for those around you.
As for your divorce not being against the law, go back and reread Matthew 19:9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.
Basically, if your wife did not cheat on you and you divorce her and marry another woman, you commit adultery….
Sorry Michael,
You need to learn your scriptures better and rightly divide the word of truth. Divorce is not the unpardonable sin.
When it comes right down to this, the issue is not how obnoxious you think he is. The issue is whether or not the city of Phoenix has the legal right to use zoning laws to limit worship on a person’s property. Constitutionally they do not, however inconvenient they are to you.
if you list your home address as a church and you break zoning laws that all churches are covered under, you are breaking the law. He has a past of saying the law does not include him and this is just another example of him doing such, why you refuse to see this I do not know.
So you are basically saying that churches are exempt from law. He listed his home as a church, he has crosses and signs all over his home, he has a gathering of about 15 to 20 people in him home for religious purposes, he can easily sit 40 in the construct in his back yard. Considering all of this and again that he himself stated that it was a church and you do not believe the law should include him and how he worships in his own home / church, again it sounds like you are stating that churches are exempt from the law. To make churches exempt from the law would be the government showing respect for an established religion, which the government is not to do.
Rightly divine the scripture? It says right there in the good book that you are not to divorce unless your wife sleeps with another man, and if you do so and marry another woman that you commit adultry.
How is one to divine the word other than how it is stated? Which part of the bible do you question / ignore / throw out? As a pastor, is it not your job to lead by example and follow the bible? Salman is showing that he does not follow the law and is not being truthful when he does not follow the law by following the zoning codes and is there for ignoring the bible when he does not respect the law in the land in which he lives.
Do they have the right to use zoning law to limit how you worship on your own property? The answer is yes, that is when you say and put in writing that your place of residence is in fact a “CHURCH”.
Concerning your heartburn about divorce, I suggest you read this.http://taberstruths.com/biblical-reasons-for-divorce-does-bible-teach-about-divorce/
Concerning the right of the city of Phoenix. I already addressed that in the post below.
The only thing you addressed is the belief that Christians are exempt from the law, or at least the ones we do not like. I also like th link you gave and how people could not accept the word there for found excuses for what they did not like, or stretched it a bit. That to me sounds like stretching the truth, and when you stretch you truth, you lie.
If you pick and choose what you will and will not follow in the bible, why even claim to follow it? Why claim to be a Christian at all? So many things in the bible are no longer followed, or are ignored, yet people still want to preach a gospel they themselves either do not follow, or twist to suit what “they” want, not what “God” wants.
Serious question here about government and religion. If you believe that the government is not allowed to restrict religious practicing, then is everything in the bible allowable? If the answer is yes then what about
Isaiah 14:21, Exodus 31:15, Leviticus 24:16-22, and the one I am most curious to hear your opinion as a pastor on Deuteronomy 22:20-29. Again, if the government is not to make laws restricting religious practice, when what say you on the above example given?
Your beef is with the constitution. It says what it says.
As far as your heartburn with divorce. I find that article and the subsequent comment that I made concerning divorce and remarriage and ministry, the most balanced viewpoint out there and one that lines up with the cardinal doctrines of Christianity including justification by faith, the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus, and the definition of forgiveness.
I wish you well my friend. Just remember, you also cannot pick and choose what constitutional right you will support or violate otherwise when it comes your turn to need protection from government intrusion, it will not apply to you either.
BTW, You say you are from Phoenix, but your IP address is from San Francisco. I find that interesting.
The fact is the bible tells you to follow the laws of the land for God put those rulers in place. To question the law is to question God himself. Salman is a con artist who is using peoples faith to manipulate the situation and to con them to see his way rather than Gods. If you make excuses for this man and excuses for things that do not sit well with you when you read the bible and take it for its word, then maybe you should question your own position as a pastor. God tells you to obey the law, he ignored the law even after being asked to follow proper zoning. Also being a business man who owns multiple businesses, he should know better. His freedom of peach is not under attack, his ability to build and run a church from his home without proper zoning is. You can not build any kind of large structure on your property be it a large garage or a church without proper permits and following the zoning laws. No where is his freedom of peach being attacked. If it were bible study it would have been fine, but considering he was running a church, they simply asked that he follow proper zoning regulation an put things in place for safety reasons such as handicapped parking and exit signs which he ignored. They asked that he follow the law and put some things in place, he refused, they punished him. I wanted to start a quiet business in my home, because working with gold and silver the way I wanted required the use of torches, I was denied permission because of the zoning laws in my neighborhood. If I ignored them and was caught and still refused to listen, they would punish me. This has nothing to do with free peach, or religion. To claim this is something more than a man getting caught ignoring the law is nothing more than propaganda to pick a fight with the governing body and to build sympathy for Christians to further the agendas of those who want to get rid of freedom of religion for those other than Christians….. sound rather un-American to me.
Making jewelry is not a constitutionally protected right.
What I find interesting Michael, is that you continually want to make the issue about Michael Salman. It is not about Michael Salman. It is about whether a city has the right to violate the 1st amendment of the U.S. constitution with zoning laws. The issue is not whether you think He is qualified, whether he is ordained by a predominately black church, whether he is divorced, or whether he has a past. It is not even about whether or not the neighbors are inconvenienced. The issue is whether or not the city of Phoenix has the right to violate a person’s constitutional right to worship and hold religious services on their own property.
Let me remind you exactly what the first amendment says.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
The city of Phoenix has violated the first amendment specifically states that government cannot make a law hindering the free exercise of religion.
“Government may not prohibit the free expression of religion. Including with zoning ordinances.”
The Supreme Court has ruled time and time again that 1st Amendment Rights are subject to location, time, and accepted behavior.
You can no more set up a church in your backyard and claim freedom of religion than I can claim freedom of the press to avoid the zoning & safety requirements of operating printing press in my backyard.
Please provide documentation for your opinions
I have been watching this Earl, basically they are trying to prevent him from holding a Bible study with zoning laws.
A. He reported today. He was ordered to report today. So your information is out of date.
B. I am divorced. It is not a crime to be a pastor and be divorced.
C. A man’s past does not make his constitutional rights void. This is about cities persecuting and violating civil rights through zoning ordinances.
D. Thanks for letting me know about the petition at Change.org. However once again your facts are wrong. there are nearly 1100 signatures on that petition and I am now including it on this article.
You see, as much as the neighbors might not like it, the man has the right to worship on his own property in the fashion he deems fit, and that includes inviting friends over to worship with him.
Government may not prohibit the free expression of religion. Including with zoning ordinances.
Dave, those governing authorities are violating our constitutional rights. Just as Martin Luther King Jr. opposed unjust laws, we as well have the right to oppose those self same laws. If you truly believe that scripture applies to this situation, then I suggest you start petitioning that the government of the U.S. is not valid either, since this nation was born resisting unjust laws.
Sorry Michael,
You need to learn your scriptures better and rightly divide the word of truth. Divorce is not the unpardonable sin.
When it comes right down to this, the issue is not how obnoxious you think he is. The issue is whether or not the city of Phoenix has the legal right to use zoning laws to limit worship on a person’s property. Constitutionally they do not, however inconvenient they are to you.
What I find interesting Michael, is that you continually want to make the issue about Michael Salman. It is not about Michael Salman. It is about whether a city has the right to violate the 1st amendment of the U.S. constitution with zoning laws. The issue is not whether you think He is qualified, whether he is ordained by a predominately black church, whether he is divorced, or whether he has a past. It is not even about whether or not the neighbors are inconvenienced. The issue is whether or not the city of Phoenix has the right to violate a person’s constitutional right to worship and hold religious services on their own property.
Let me remind you exactly what the first amendment says.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
The city of Phoenix has violated the first amendment specifically states that government cannot make a law hindering the free exercise of religion.
Your beef is with the constitution. It says what it says.
As far as your heartburn with divorce. I find that article and the subsequent comment that I made concerning divorce and remarriage and ministry, the most balanced viewpoint out there and one that lines up with the cardinal doctrines of Christianity including justification by faith, the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus, and the definition of forgiveness.
I wish you well my friend. Just remember, you also cannot pick and choose what constitutional right you will support or violate otherwise when it comes your turn to need protection from government intrusion, it will not apply to you either.
There is a difference between the gathering place (temple) and the home– Acts 2-3 tells us that there were distinct meetings in both places.
I live in the Bible Belt. I’ve never seen a “bible study” post signs in the yard, have a dedicated room with pews and a pulpit, and hold weekly meetings in a dedicated space. Around here we call that a church.
I guarantee that if he had built a “dance studio” and had weekly meetings with 15-20 cars in the street creating alot of noise that neighbors would have complained about that too.
Again, the central issue here is not if his rights were violated, but if what was going on was a church or a simple bible study. If your other commenter’s information is correct, then it sounds like he was trying to have a church, not a bible study.
I don’t need the government to tell me. Common sense tells me that if he has set up a dedicated space to hold a meeting and put a giant sign in his yard (which can be seen on his own Youtube video), then it’s not just a little bible study anymore– it’s a church.
I live in a county with 400 churches and I’m sure there are at least a couple hundred bible studies going on. I know of ZERO bible studies that put signs out for advertising to the public– because that’s what churches do.
Salem, thanks for those links. The question here is whether or not the city has the right to zone religion. Constitutionally it does not.
Bill, the zoning laws are not constitutional, thus they are not the laws of the land. Your argument was used with Rosa Parks, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and many others including against our founding fathers.
My point Brian is whether or not you want the door opened for the government to tell you. This is not an isolated incident.
If a sign is what designates the difference between a Bible study or a church, then what about bumper stickers? Nativity Scenes, ect. I personally do not want to give the government the right to decide what is a church and what is a Bible study. They will abuse it.
“Bill, the zoning laws are not constitutional..”
LMAO!!! Where in the constitution or what Supreme Court case are you referring to?
“The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.” (10th Amendment)
States have the power to pass laws that are not forbidden, or allocated to the Federal Govt. State govt’s establish systems of local govt. That’s where local laws come in.
LOL, The federal constitution has superseded state law time and time again. The government, federal, state, and local cannot violate the first amendment.
The First Amendment applies to the government — to protect individuals from government censorship. While the text of the First Amendment says “Congress shall make no law … abridging the freedom of speech,” it means that no federal, state or local government official can infringe on your free-speech rights. A private company is not a government or state and therefore generally is not subject to the requirements of the First Amendment.
http://1forall.us/about/the-first-amendment/
Please provide documentation for your opinions
If the local government allows any buildings on private property for private use, i.e. rec rooms, party rooms, ect. Then it must allow rooms for worship otherwise it is discriminatory.
Here Mr. Grand Master. This is the law.
In religious land use disputes, RLUIPA’s general rule is the most commonly cited and challenged section. It provides:
General rule. No government shall impose or implement a land use regulation in a manner that imposes a substantial burden on the religious exercise of a person, including a religious assembly or institution, unless the government can demonstrate that imposition of the burden on that person, assembly or institution
is in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest; and
is the least restrictive means of furthering that compelling governmental interest.
Scope of Application. This subsection applies in any case in which–
the substantial burden is imposed in a program or activity that receives Federal financial assistance, even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability; or
the substantial burden affects, or removal of that substantial burden would affect, commerce with foreign nations, among the several States, or with Indian tribes, even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability; or
the substantial burden is imposed in the implementation of a land use regulation or system of land use regulations, under which a government makes, or has in place formal or informal procedures or practices that permit the government to make, individualized assessments of the proposed uses for the property involved.
42 U.S.C. § 2000cc-5(a).
During these disputes, the correct interpretation of the term “land use regulation” is almost always an issue. The statute defines “land use regulation” as “a zoning or landmarking law, or the application of such a law, that limits or restricts a claimant’s use or development of land (including a structure affixed to land), if the claimant has an ownership, leasehold, easement, servitude, or other property interest in the regulated land or a contract or option to acquire such an interest.” 42 U.S.C. § 2000cc-5(5).
[edit]RLUIPA’s Effect on Zoning
Currently being litigated is the conflict RLUIPA presents to municipalities’ zoning and regulating rights.[citation needed] Through RLUIPA, Congress has expanded religious accommodations to a point where it appears to restrict municipalities’ zoning power. Arguably, RLUIPA gives religious landowners a special right to challenge land use laws which their secular neighbors do not have. Even if a zoning law is void of discrimination, the court reviewing a challenge will apply strict scrutiny to the city’s regulation.[citation needed]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religious_Land_Use_and_Institutionalized_Persons_Act
Again, the 501c3 was for his prison ministry, not for the church. And there is no proof they every made the services open to the public.
Monroe, I am not going to argue with you. Read the first amendment, read the Religious Land Use Act. They are in violation of both, no matter your personal feelings about Michael Salmon.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religious_Land_Use_and_Institutionalized_Persons_Act
I have 4 or 5 different stories on this issue, not just with Michael Salmon. Just remember my friend, if you decide to hold a Bible study in your house, the city of Phoenix thinks it is their prerogative to tell you if you can or not.