Today's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports on the battle in Brookville, Pennsylvania between the First Apostles Doctrine Church and zoning authorities. The church's minister, Rev. Jack L. Wisor, wants to use the church as a homeless shelter, saying providing shelter to "guests" is part of its ministry. However borough solicitor Stephen French says that homeless shelters are not permitted in areas zoned commercial where the 111 year old church is located. Rev. Wisor has already been fined $500 for allowing three homeless men to live in the church's parsonage. He has appealed to the Jefferson County Common Pleas Court. Wisor also objects to a code enforcement raid earlier this month which he alleges desecrated the church sanctuary. Borough solicitor French denies the allegations and says Wisor has told him that he is "going to hell" for making people homeless.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
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2 comments:
I think the officials should have looked the other way in this instance. The people were being housed in the parsonage which is a residence. Who should say who we can and can't have stay in our homes?
Has this church never heard of "The Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons act" (RLUIPA) singed into law by Pres Clinton. Basically it says churches and certain institutions are exempt from local zoning laws. They should explore this. I am surprised their lawyer hasn't
T
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