Posted on 08/13/2009 3:02:29 PM PDT by Rebelbase
HIGH POINT -- Residents of a local public housing facility recently had to cease holding religious services there after officials told them the activities ran afoul of federal regulations.
Worship services by residents of Elm Towers were in violation of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development rules, which forbid "inherently religious activities" for organizations that receive HUD funds, according to the High Point Housing Authority.
Elm Towers residents had been gathering for years on Sunday mornings and sometimes Wednesday evenings for Christian worship services led by a local minister in a common room on the first floor of the high-rise apartment building on S. Elm Street, according to tenants.
The housing authority learned of the services after other Elm Towers residents complained last month. The agency then put a stop to the services.
"To me, it's stepping on our constitutional rights. You're supposed to be able to worship like you want," said Howard Embler, an Elm Towers resident who sometimes attended the services. "We've got a lot of elderly people here who can't get out on their own to church."
HUD subsidizes the apartments, which are primarily for senior citizens, and forbids religious activities in places like the common area and lobbies of the facility but not inside residents' apartments, according to the housing authority. Officials explained to residents why they took the action they did and gave them copies of the regulations.
"We're not telling residents they cannot have religious activities in their homes, but they cannot hold things in common areas. We understand they would like to do this, but we have to go by regulations," said Rachael Matthews, a spokeswoman for the authority. "We're not saying churches can't come and pick them up and take them to worship or religious services. We don't want to restrict them."
Embler, a three-year Elm Towers resident, said its was his understanding the services had been held for many years prior to his arrival. Residents said the attendance varied, from a handful of participants to larger gatherings.
"We just want to be sure, as in all cases, that we're following HUD regulations to ensure that we do not lose the subsidy for the residents' apartments," said Matthews. "That's of utmost importance."
Ditto.
...and ditto again.
Soon the government will claim that any mortgage held by Fannie Mae means that the government owns the home, and to hold a simple prayer meeting will mean violating church and state laws.
What “organization that receives federal funds” is holding these services? That’s a misreading of the law - but of course we know that this is just the way that Obama’s minions WANT to read the law.
This is so clear cut, the ACLU should get involved.
What are they going to say next, you have to right to free speech because you’re on Gov’t Property?
Isn’t that private property?
How long before those who get food stamps are banned from going to church or having bibles?
The American way isn’t to prohibit religious services in the common area. It is to allow anyone to hold religious services in the common area.
If someone wants to hold a Jewish service, Muslim service, Hindu service, Wicca service, or any service they should be able to.
Err...not, it's not.
I guess if you get a Cash 4 Clunkers car you better not go to church in it.
Just wondering what would happen say if it was a mosque service in progress there ....
The Bill of Rights prevents this action.
Stand up and fight it!
The ACLU has no problem with the WH snitch line do they? The ACLU doesn’t do what some people think it does.
The United States is not a Wiccan nation. It’s a Christian nation.
“To me, it’s stepping on our constitutional rights. You’re supposed to be able to worship like you want,” said Howard Embler, an Elm Towers resident who sometimes attended the services. “We’ve got a lot of elderly people here who can’t get out on their own to church.”
Yes, we have Freedom of Religion.
WHO is behind this?
Hmmmmm?
“The housing authority learned of the services after other Elm Towers residents complained last month. The agency then put a stop to the services. “
And just WHO are these resident complaining?
Muslims?
Atheists?
Oboma suppoters?
THIS needs to be highlighted.
Send it to Rush or any conservatives you can think of.
So, the 1st Amendment doesn’t apply on this public property, either.
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