If it looks like a duck...
Posted on 07/10/2012 12:12:26 PM PDT by Sleeping Freeper
A Phoenix man who violated city zoning laws by hosting a Bible study in the privacy of his home has started serving a 60-day jail sentence for his crimes.
Michael Salman was found guilty in the City of Phoenix Court of 67 code violations. He was sentenced to 60 days in jail along with three years of probation and a $12,180 fine. A spokesperson for the city attorney confirmed that Salman reported to a county jail Monday afternoon.
Members of Salman’s Bible study group posted video of their teacher as he self-reported to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. It was an emotional scene.
“We believe that people should not be prohibiting other people from having Bible studies in their homes,” Salman said outside the jail. “We believe what they are doing is wrong. It’s private property. It’s our home.”
Salman embraced some of his Bible study members before offering final remarks.
“At the very end, after all is said and done, God will ultimately have glory in this,” he said. “We do this for the glory of the Lord.”
Someone off camera could be heard remarking, “I love you, pastor.”
Salman’s incarceration is the result of a long-running feud between the ordained pastor and the city of Phoenix over weekly Bible studies that Salman and his wife hosted in their home. City officials determined that the weekly gatherings constituted a church – and therefore violated a number of code regulations.
(Excerpt) Read more at radio.foxnews.com ...
If it looks like a duck...
I don't know, but I bet with SIX GIRLS and a WIFE, he doesn't have it very long.
What part of ‘free EXERCISE of religion’ do they not understand?
That is not the 'small building' you were told about. It is his 'house'. I was noting that it already resembled a church.
The small building is a roof supported by some 4x4 columns, with hay bales scattered round. I have seen the picture once, but I am having trouble relocating it.
Yes, it does matter.
He went to county jail, but that doesn't mean the county sheriff did the prosecuting. It was a city infraction.
I’ve got four girls and a wife.....and a shed....hmmmm....
What you fail to mention is that the City gave him grief even when he was holding the Bible studies in his home, before the auxiliary building was erected.
Don’t trust anyone’s opinion. Especially mine.
See for yourself.
WATCH TOUR OF WHERE PASTOR HOLDS BIBLE STUDIES:
http://global.christianpost.com/news/pastor-michael-salman-jail-bible-study-home-77981/
(it’s the second video on the page)
This looks more like a witch-hunt than anything else.
I can understand that neighbors don't like extra cars around and a shortage of parking, but that isn't the case here. All cars (bible study attendees) are parked on this man's property.
Hmmmm....he probably built the "game room" so he could finally have his own bathroom.
That article is a bit deceptive “Home-owner jailed..” ?
I also see it doesnt say how many people were in that 2000 sM church he built on his property. 200?? 50? It matters.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2904119/posts
Bunch a green necks.
Oh, the private property myth. If you truly think you “own” your property, try not paying taxes on it. The great American Dream should really be called the Great American Property Tax Heist. Thread hop.. it was truly shocking to read the Federal Government owns a third of the land in the US. Who owns the other two thirds?
I don't know that term....
constitutionally opposed to red necks. that is one red neck church. betcha it brings no littering, no crime, no brawls. but it offends the neighbors sense of propriety so out it’s gotta go.
The building in his backyard is 2,000 sq. ft., and is not being used as living quarters. That’s a fairly large area when you just have people standing or sitting in chairs. It’s being used as a church building.
The article says he told the building code authorities he was constructing a game room for his family. If that’s true, then the minister lied.
Yeah. Look at those big air conditioners on the roof. He must be hunting some really big “game”.
Sheriffs don't prosecute in any jurisdiction, nor do sheriffs make the call if a crime is going to be prosecuted.
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