San Diego’s 10 News is reporting that a county employee has notified a local pastor and his wife that their small Bible study group, averaging 15 people, is in violation of county ordinances and that they must “stop religious assembly or apply for a major use permit.”
Attorney Dean Broyles of The Western Center For Law & Policy was shocked with what happened to the pastor and his wife. Broyles said, “The county asked, ‘Do you have a regular meeting in your home?’ She said, ‘Yes.’ ‘Do you say amen?’ ‘Yes.’ ‘Do you pray?’ ‘Yes.’ ‘Do you say praise the Lord?’ ‘Yes.'”
I am stunned at this (as I am with many recent developments in our country) and believe this action by the county is unconstitutional and a clear violation of individual rights; of the right of assembly and of freedom of speech. It is beyond the realm of government to ask such questions, quite beyond their business to inquire of the words we speak in our homes.
We cannot stand silent as our country is ravaged; we must speak out.
Martin Niemöller’s poem inscribed on a stone in the New England Holocaust Memorial.
Shirley Buxton 
8 replies on “…and then they came for me”
Greg, from another thread.
“you yanks are crazy”.
nothing else. Just that. I love it.
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Hi Shirley – I think that Helen’s point is also valid.
Do we get as upset and angry at the disrespect of other groups rights? I think you would – but their are many other Christians who wold say – well they’;re muslim, they shouldn’t be allowed to meet.
Certainly what is portrayed in the story is an outrage; however superimpose a muslim framework on the same story and I can imagine people saying that for the sake of national security we shouldn’t let them meet and use words like Allah and Ramadan…
I think, although as you correctly point out, the story is not about muslim or gay rights – your use of the poem by Niemoller ebales the discussion to move in that direction in this thread, becuase the poem is ALL about speaking up for other groups you don’t agree with.
On a side point, I see you are on facebook – I tried to find you but couldn’t – http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=733487293&ref=profile this is my proife page – please add me as a friend if you like.
Peace and Blessings
Greg
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“We were warned… change. ” And change is on the roll. Thank you for speaking up! We cannot ignore the signs, time is short.
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Folks, you are all Christians speaking out for other Christians. Read what Martin Niemöller said. This is about standing up for the rights of all people – including those not like you. Are you standing up for the rights of Muslims, and gay people? If not, you don’t deserve anyone to stand up for you. That’s the whole point: Stand up for others.
We are a nation, not a Christian nation. We need to support all Americans. And this DOES include the right to have a Bible study in your own house. But not more than the rights of others. If they need a permit to hold a Bible study, get one. It’s probably a question of too many cars in a small area. Nothing to do with religion or lack thereof.
With all due respect, Helen, this is not about Muslims and gay people and their rights, nor about parking violations. None of these are mentioned in the story at all. It is about San Diego county officials quizzing a Christian couple about words that are said in their home, and about their gathering to study the Bible.
This goes beyond Christians speaking for Christians. I am a Christian, but no one has told me I cannot have 15 people in my home and study the Bible. I am defending a sub-set of Christians; those who have been told they need a permit to gather and study the Bible. The correlation with Niemoller’s poem is valid, for though at this moment, I am not a part of a group whose studying the Bible in my home has been challenged, if I do not speak for this group, there may come a time when I am so challenged, and there indeed may be no one left to speak for me.
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A little scary, but my hope is in Jesus.
Luke 21:28
Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.
It is a great consolation to know that in the end, all will be well.
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I can’t believe this!! They are coming against a Christian meeting in a home? Wow…Why don’t they go after the people doing witchcraft in their homes? You’re right, we won’t be silent.
God is coming back so soon.
Jennifer, never lose your faith in God. Never stop speaking out for the principles on which our country was founded. I’m depending on you and others of your strength and integrity.
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Smooth sailing at the present…. still in the honeymoon phase…wait till barack shows his hidden agenda. Sorry I will continue to fear this man and his mission. Another sad day for Liberalized America.
We were warned: Change.
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Our elected leador in the not to distant past commented, “We are no longer a Christian nation.”
I am very sad for those who, like I, am a part of the, Silent majority.”
Mervi
Let history speak: our country was founded on Christian principles.
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