February 2008
First Amendment Rights Stripped by Memphis Housing Authority For over a year, Pearlie Jenkins held a weekly Bible study—part of her Healing Hearts Outreach Ministry—in a retirement home in Memphis, Tennessee. She hoped to provide the weekly encouragement for the elderly, many of whom would otherwise have no way of making it to church. However, the Memphis Housing Authority (MHA) abruptly decided to ban all Bible studies last September, claiming they were a “violation of the separation of church and state.” “You know, I was just told I couldn’t do it,” Jenkins said about the ban. After the shocking announcement, Jenkins contacted Advocates for Faith and Freedom, and we responded in order to preserve the residents’ rights of free assembly and free exercise of religion. On November 6, 2007, Advocates filed a complaint against the MHA. By the following Friday—only three days later—the MHA had reconsidered its position and decided to permit the Bible study to reconvene while they drafted a new policy. Since that time, we have been working with the MHA to bring final conclusion to this case and assure that a policy is adopted that will protect the religious liberty of all the residents. Because of your support, we were able to help those in need return to their Bible study—and fast! It is a blessing for all of us here at Advocates to be able to take a stand for Christ and watch Him move so mightily. Unfortunately, this case is not unique. The right to hold private, religious gatherings is under fire throughout the country. You may remember that Advocates is also representing two court employees in San Diego who were forbidden from holding their Bible study on their own time in an empty jury room. The reason cited, once again, was the baseless “violation of the separation of church and state.” In this case, unfortunately, the court executives have not yet reconsidered their position, and Advocates is still in need of your support if we are to achieve the same resounding success that resulted in the Memphis case.
As a result, the church body had to leave the building they were using for weekly services. In February 2007, Advocates argued the case in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals citing a federal statute designed to assure that churches are treated equally with secular assemblies when city officials apply building and zoning restrictions. This case may set national precedent regarding the liberty of churches to meet and worship in towns and cities across America. The opportunity to make our case on behalf of this local church pastor and his congregation was covered by your earnest prayers, and all of us at Advocates thank you. Observers said Jennifer Monk’s arguments were clear, concise, and confidently presented, and that is a tribute both to her ability as an attorney and to God being faithful to answer your prayers. The judges will now confer before issuing their opinion on our case, and we ask that you continue to bring this matter before the “Throne of Grace.” We’ll be reporting the court’s decision on our new website which is undergoing a major reconstruction. When the site is completed in March, we’ll be able to provide you with more and better information on the ministry you so generously support.
With your financial support, we can continue to protect our religious freedom as Christians and as American citizens and continue advocating for ministries such as Healing Hearts Outreach Ministry.
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Advocates Argues at the Ninth Circuit! On February 4, 2008, Jennifer Monk, Legal Counsel, prepared an articulate argument before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in Pasadena, CA, on behalf of Praise Christian Center v. The City of Huntington Beach. Several years ago, Pastor Derek Anunciation, Senior Pastor of Praise Christian Center, came to us with an impassioned plea for assistance. His church had a small but growing and needed space to meet while they built up their membership and presence in Huntington Beach, California. However, when Pastor Anunciation asked for permission to rent a building to hold services, the City of Huntington Beach imposed arbitrary and burdensome conditions in an apparent attempt to prevent the church from actually occupying the building.As a result, the church body had to leave the building they were using for weekly services. In February 2007, Advocates argued the case in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals citing a federal statute designed to assure that churches are treated equally with secular assemblies when city officials apply building and zoning restrictions. This case may set national precedent regarding the liberty of churches to meet and worship in towns and cities across America. The opportunity to make our case on behalf of this local church pastor and his congregation was covered by your earnest prayers, and all of us at Advocates thank you. Observers said Jennifer Monk’s arguments were clear, concise, and confidently presented, and that is a tribute both to her ability as an attorney and to God being faithful to answer your prayers. The judges will now confer before issuing their opinion on our case, and we ask that you continue to bring this matter before the “Throne of Grace.” We’ll be reporting the court’s decision on our new website which is undergoing a major reconstruction. When the site is completed in March, we’ll be able to provide you with more and better information on the ministry you so generously support.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS –
APRIL 26, 2008!
This ministry would not be possible without you! On April 26, 2008, we invite you to join us for dinner. This event is designed to be an opportunity for some of our clients to talk about their battles for religious liberty and to express their thanks for your support of this ministry. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet our legal team, up close and personal, and to enjoy an informal buffet dinner in the company of like-minded friends. Place: Diamond Club – Lake Elsinore Storm Stadium ClubhouseTime: 6:00-8:00pmCost: $25 per person (covers the cost of food) There are several ways you can make your reservation today, and it’s quick and easy: 1) Call the Advocates ministry office at 951.304.7583 or toll free at 1.888.588.6888 and pay via credit card.2) Mail a check or credit card information to Advocates.3) Send an e-mail to jrogers@faith-freedom.com with your name and phone number, and someone will contact you for payment information. Please Note: Seating is limited, so don’t delay. Make your reservation today!