Jul 10, 2012
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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.
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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.
The controversy erupted in 2009 when nearly a dozen police officers raided the Salman’s home and a 2,000 square foot building in their backyard. The family had moved their Bible study into the building after the group outgrew their living room.
The charges that sent Salman to jail were a result of that raid – ranging from not posting exit lights above their doors – to not having handicap ramps or handicap parking.
Salman told Fox News Radio the attacks on his family were nothing more than a crackdown on religious liberty.
“They’re attacking what I – as a Christian – do in the privacy of my home,” he said. “At what point does the government have the right to state that you cannot have family and friends over at your home three times a week?”
But city officials said it was a matter of zoning and proper permitting – not religious freedom. They said he was given a permit to convert a garage into a game room – not a church.
“Any other occupancy or use – business, commercial, assembly, church, etc. is expressly prohibited pursuant to the city of Phoenix building code and ordinances,” said Vicki Hill, the chief assistant city prosecutor.
The irony of that rule was not lost on Salman.
The Salman Family
“If I had people coming to my home on a regular basis for poker night or Monday Night Football, it would be permitted,” he said. “But when someone says to us we are not allowed to gather because of religious purposes – that is when you have discrimination.”
Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council said the attack against Salman should serve as a wake-up call to Christians across the nation.
“Any time religious freedom or the freedom of speech is infringed upon, Americans should be concerned,” Perkins told Fox News Radio. “We are seeing jurisdictions using zoning ordinances to crack down the exercise of religious freedom.”
Perkins said there is a movement in recent years for churches to move back to an Early Church model where Christians met in private homes – rather than church facilities. As a result, he said some communities are in fact cracking down on what people do in the privacy of their homes.
“We’re seeing more Bible studies, home-based churches, small groups meeting together,” he said. “and people are not able to do with their own property that which is an exercise of their religious freedom.”
Perkins also took issue with the city of Phoenix deciding what constituted a church.
“The definition is nebulous,” he said. “A family of more than eight people who gather for prayer could meet the definition of a church.”
“It goes back to religious freedom,” Perkins said. “As long as it’s not posing a threat or a nuisance to the surrounding property owners, people should be free to do with their property as they see fit.”
Salman’s friends have launched an online petition urging that he be set free. Click here.
FOX News Talk
My guess, and only a guess, is that this was something that could have been completely avoided if the Preacher was compliant to some minor requests by the town. I don't have time to read all of the comments and see if some one from the town has commented. Two years ago this started. The town did not come down on the group immediately because they probably wanted to give them a chance to comply with code. However, the group decided it would be OK to just be obstinate. Had this preacher been pointing fingers at some one who was doing something he didn't like in the neighborhood? Was one of the neighbors upset about the worshipers parking on the wrong side of the street? This is a crazy time with so much tension and so much stress over a pathetic economy and an administration causing so much disturbance. People who have lost all control of their own lives are grasping to find something to take their anger out on. Maybe there is a lesson in this for us all to be more neighborly. Love your neighbor as your brother preacher, he would not have called the town on you if you had. This situation is sad, but all of this stuff probably could have been avoided if the preacher had just simply cooperated.
But, the Bible specifically states to submit to governmental authority in Romans 13:1, Hebrews 13:17, and Titus 3:1. So, I'm not sure why the city is being seen as anti-christian when this pastor is not following the teachings of the Bible. Further, the occupancy codes (parking, fire protection, and emergency egress) which this person violated are in place to protect the safety of people. So, the public servants were doing exactly what they were supposed to do and they are being demonized. This person received citations for 10 YEARS without addressing the issue and, suddenly, it's a big deal when the government, in the interest of public safety and keeping the peace in the neighborhood takes action. Then, Fox publishes a story making a martyr out of a criminal; which demonizes the public servants for doing their job. So, could someone please explain how this is an issue?
This is disturbing. We have a right to freedom of religion guaranteed by the Constitution. If I want to hold a Bible study in my home I will and the government doesn't have a say.
Another brain dead idiot who has obviously not bothered to read the article…..
We need to be careful as followers of Christ that we don't manipulate laws and regulations then cry foul and call it persecution(did I spell that right?) If he had been told already he is breaking the rules of permit in that building and did not fix those problems to be within it's confines then he broke the law and going to jail is not religous persecution. I know it seems unfair that he could have football beer keggers and no one would care but fair is not the issue here. He may be choosing to make a statement about the law and protesting it with civil disobedience as has been done many times, and that is his choice but be careful in saying that the behavior glorifies the Lord unless you heard directly that you were to take that stance. My opinion on that that no bearing, when God speaks you listen…..Jesus himself has a glorious story of that in the Garden.
Robert Lyons: You're an idiot! You call yourself a 'pastor'. That is your first mistake. Then you quote scripture out of context to appear to have wisdom and knowledge. Those who follow Christ and worship his Father, Jehovah, know that the prophecy in the book of Revelation directly foretells that the nations or political rulers will turn wholesale on religion in the last days. You obviously have not learned or been taught that. This is an undeniable stone placed on the path that leads to the demise of False Religion (or the Harlot described in the prophecy in Revelation). As for the ''title'' ''pastor'', Christ made it very clear while on earth that we are all equal (brothers and sisters). You are not a pastor. You are not above anybody! Anyone who uses Paul's words in Romans 13 to defend what the superior authorities have done in this case to prohibit the exercise of learning about God, is someone like you that doesn't have a clue about the proper application and teaching of the word of God. Shame on you. Your post puts you in a shameful and arrogant light, and proves that people who hate religion point at people like you as a reason. Make it your aim to live quietly and to mind your own business (1 Thes. 4:11) Reputable Christian sources? You definitely are NOT one of those… This news story tells me that it won't be long before Christendom falls and Jesus comes to settle the score with the enemies of his Father. Come, Lord Jesus. And have mercy on us all, especially the pompous, arrogant "pastor" Robert Lyons.
thats not very upbuilding comments no one can judge or is worthy to judge not even u michael i say that with all the love im my heart for u and everyone
Whenever there is a conflict between human rights and property rights, human rights must prevail.
Abraham Lincoln
I first thought this was simple and couldn't make sense of the city's behavior. Still not sure, because at no point in the article is the number of people who come to the prayer group mentioned.
It says he converted a 2,000 sq. ft. building behind the house, etc. If there were 15 or 20 people, it wouldn't make sense for the city to get involved. If there were 50 or 100, it probably would, and neighbors would have likely complained about cars parking up and down the street, etc. Safety requirements have a purpose, too, and without seeing the building it's hard to know if there is any real basis for concern about that, too.
I first thought this was simple and couldn't make sense of the city's behavior. Still not sure, because at no point in the article is the number of people who come to the prayer group mentioned.
It says he converted a 2,000 sq. ft. building behind the house, etc. If there were 15 or 20 people, it wouldn't make sense for the city to get involved. If there were 50 or 100, it probably would, and neighbors would have likely complained about cars parking up and down the street, etc. Safety requirements have a purpose, too, and without seeing the building it's hard to know if there is any real basis for concern about that, too.
I looked into this a bit more. The reporter did no research whatsover before posting the story, or ignored the easily available history of Mr. Salman. <http://tucsoncitizen.com/arizona-news/2012/07/11/phoenix-preacher-jailed-in-zoning-dispute/> This reporter and his employer are simply not credible.
Russell Claxton Reasonable as always Russell. It would be helpful if reporters told the whole story. Nevertheless a politician is going to get nowhere jailing a pastor. It also looks like they were meeting 3 times a week. If he can build a 2000 sp ft bldg in his backyard why not just find some property properly zoned. After all Phoenix is not Houston, ha ha.
Carl, this "pastor" was sentenced to 6 years in prison for a drive-by shooting in Phoenix in 1993.
Although I continue to object to this pastor's jailing, I would also assert strongly that a minister has a high obligation to honor and obey the laws of his community unless by so doing he must disobey God's clear written commandment. BTW I would take this view whatever the subject's religion is. Leaders have an obligation to be an example.
I am glad someone is regulating the brainwashing of our youth and is keeping an eye on these insane people who want to tell others their belief in a fairy tale which is just that…a tale supported by a book and nothing else. Lock others up as well. I myself am looking at a guy walking the street here trying to talk to kids about religion. he gives them candy and asks for names, will sit in a circle with them and then tell them to have their parents take em to church. Really? Next time I see him I will get the cops on him. You religious idiots!
Better a "religious idiot" than a fool on his way to Hell! You are very ignorant about the Bible. Jesus Christ, who lived and breathed on this earth in the first century, is what it's about . Your contention it's about nothing else is ignorant hogwash. Jesus is in history books, as all are aware, so only a fool would proclaim what you do.
There is no hell. In which History book? What are you reading? This whole response is crazy. You have nothing to support anything you are claiming. How old are you? Never have I read such nonsense…
The Constitution of The United States guarantees everyone the right to the freedom of expression.
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or of the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
-United States Constitution.
The huge picture of 'Jesus' in this so called church disturbs me the most. As Christians braking the law is wrong , but braking God's Law is condemnable.
My wife and I are church planters and even I can understand why the city had a problem with this. That "game room" looked like the inside of any organized Church meeting place I've ever seen. And to play the emotions with the music and a "crying moment" before "obedient daddy/pastor" goes off to jail for "just doing the Lord's work" is a little twisted, I believe. Bless this man and his friends, family, and those he is responsible for… but at the same time let's see this clearly. You know, what if they had a pool table and foose ball tables and bean bags and couches in there and just hung out and had conversation? Wouldn't it be edifying and equipping in nature? People could not hang out with a God-called pastor and NOT be taught, equipped, and shepherded. I think once we "get" the concept that Christians are not to be "church goers" but rather normal people, who happen to have interests and ideas that are different from the flow of the world, and a Spirit who is working with them to become like the Nazarene and Lord, then these kinds of things will not be so common. LET'S REMEMBER: "I send you like sheep out among the wolves, so be as cunning as a serpent but as innocent as a dove". Blessings.
total hassement, can things like this continue to happen in this country?
it is true that harassment is increasing. Let's just not give the world ammo to use against us. They will at times do fine finding their own. ;>)
Pay attention people.
Everyone who wants the real story behind this please go to: http://phoenix.gov/news/071212salmanfacts.html.
"Render to Caesar the things that are Caesars' and to God the things that are Gods."
David Ham, I can see you don't like Christians, you like to call them liars, frauds, jerks, that could make you feel better? All you say is this guy deserves it, right? You know him more than people do, right? You judge him on line because there is no way he can fight back, right?
I have nothing against Christians. I was calling this lying, fraudulent cheat a liar, fraud, and cheat. He's been proven as such multiple times.
If it was an Islamic family doing their prayers to allah this would have been ignored even if against ordinances.
But if it were an Islamic family along with a hundred or so of their friends, there might be some construction codes come into play.
But if it were an Islamic family along with a hundred or so of their friends, there might be some construction codes come into play.
I only want to know, in that city, if that guy open house for party, every week, will he get the same punishment?
The Bible instructs us as followers of Christ to obey every ordinance of man. When we fail to do so we become lawbreakers, for the Law is for the lawless. Romans 13:1,2; 1 Timothy 1:9). As Christians, we are expected to be model citizens as far as possible. If matters become such that "we must obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29), then we, like Peter, James and John, like Daniel, and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, must submit to the natural consequences and trust God for our deliverance.
This situation is not persecution. This man should take a look at what persecution really looks like and repent for his bad behavior. He and those who think he is right will end up bringing real persecution to Christians in this nation by his arrogance and pride.
I agree wholeheartedly with Pastor Lyons. And I believe that Right thinking Christians everywhere must speak up and let our society know this does not represent the Gospel of Jesus Christ, who instructs His followers to "render therefore to Ceasar, the things that are Ceasar's, and to God the things that are God's.
I applaud Michael Salman for his zeal and passion to serve God. But I believe that words spoken by the apostle Paul are fitting for this occasion. "… for I bear them record that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge (Romans 10:2). I pray that God will open the eyes of this man's understanding, before he harms himself, his family and followers, and ultimately the cause of Christ itself.
The Bible instructs us as followers of Christ to obey every ordinance of man. When we fail to do so we become lawbreakers, for the Law is for the lawless. Romans 13:1,2; 1 Timothy 1:9). As Christians, we are expected to be model citizens as far as possible. If matters become such that "we must obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29), then we, like Peter, James and John, like Daniel, and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, must submit to the natural consequences and trust God for our deliverance.
This situation is not persecution. This man should take a look at what persecution really looks like and repent for his bad behavior. He and those who think he is right will end up bringing real persecution to Christians in this nation by his arrogance and pride.
I agree wholeheartedly with Pastor Lyons. And I believe that Right thinking Christians everywhere must speak up and let our society know this does not represent the Gospel of Jesus Christ, who instructs His followers to "render therefore to Ceasar, the things that are Ceasar's, and to God the things that are God's.
I applaud Michael Salman for his zeal and passion to serve God. But I believe that words spoken by the apostle Paul are fitting for this occasion. "… for I bear them record that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge (Romans 10:2). I pray that God will open the eyes of this man's understanding, before he harms himself, his family and followers, and ultimately the cause of Christ itself.
I read this and did some more research to see what the issue was. The issue wasn't the Bible Study or the fact that one was being held there. The issue was the fact that there was a site which had seating for 80+ people which was being used regularly for a function. The site was clearly maintained for that function. They were not meeting in their living room or even in their home. There are legalities which MUST be followed for the safety of all involved. It looks like there were a number of zoning regulations being broken because of the numbers of people attending. Pure and simple. If they were meeting for a cooking class and the building was being used for that, and that amount of people showed up, the same thing would have happened. It's idiotic to make this about the study of The Bible.
So this was about safety issues and not the Bible study? I have heard about it, yet I haven't read the article. Glad to know that is all there is to it. But the times are coming when it will be more than about safety issues.
So this was about safety issues and not the Bible study? I have heard about it, yet I haven't read the article. Glad to know that is all there is to it. But the times are coming when it will be more than about safety issues.
Saw a video of the place and it had rows and rows of seats, I counted 80 that I could see and I suspect there was another section off to the right. The exterior also was built like it was a church. Clearly it was operating as a church but didn't have proper zoning privileges and didn't follow building regulations to hold that many people. Add that to the fact that it was in a neighborhood. Considering that we meet here I was interested in the story. Eventually it will be about Bible studies. But this one was not.
Saw a video of the place and it had rows and rows of seats, I counted 80 that I could see and I suspect there was another section off to the right. The exterior also was built like it was a church. Clearly it was operating as a church but didn't have proper zoning privileges and didn't follow building regulations to hold that many people. Add that to the fact that it was in a neighborhood. Considering that we meet here I was interested in the story. Eventually it will be about Bible studies. But this one was not.
This is out rageous and appalling. I know this is not the america our forefathers fought for! I know god is on our side but it still sickens and saddens me.
So, let me ask this… if he had so many people coming to his house, on a regular basis, that he needed a separate 2000 square foot building just for this purpose… and the people studying under him called him "pastor"… then, objectively, wouldn't that be a Church? And if it is a Church, wouldn't he then need to follow the same rules as the rest of the Churches? Seems like it could have been avoided if he'd just followed the rules that everyone else was following. Sucks though, Maricopa County is known for being rough on prisoners.
I'm a Christian, do outreach, play music, pay taxes and tithe at church. It's clear in the Bible, "Pay Caesar what is due Caesar." If the City has rules and a pastor thinks he's immune to them…then he is an Idiot…not a saint….for not following their guidelines. His parishioners show think twice before putting all their faith in him as their pastor.
When will We the People stop bowing to They the Government and take our country back?
If these folks weren't loud and disturbing the peace, the government has NO RIGHT to invade his private property. This reminds me of a communist country! Gee!
Robert Lyons, I totally agree with you. You used the perfect Scripture that is appropriate for this setting. We must pray for this Pastor, Family and Bible Study Group. It is always wisdom to acquire all the "Facts" before trying to understand how to help those who are hurting. Sometimes we humans can be 'sincere' but 'sincerely wrong' then we should be willing to correct our mistake. As a human, I speak from experience, we all make mistakes. Prayerfully and Scripturally; Proverbs 3:5 & 6.
“It goes back to religious freedom,” Perkins said. “As long as it’s not posing a threat or a nuisance to the surrounding property owners, people should be free to do with their property as they see fit.”.
I bet he doesn't feel that way when it comes to what people do with their own bodies…dern homosexuals.
I see a PA system in the picture. If your "Bible Study" uses a PA, and reguires an "outbuilding"… It's a CHURCH… Hello?
I see a PA system in the picture. If your "Bible Study" uses a PA, and reguires an "outbuilding"… It's a CHURCH… Hello?
I see a PA system in the picture. If your "Bible Study" uses a PA, and reguires an "outbuilding"… It's a CHURCH… Hello?
I see a PA system in the picture. If your "Bible Study" uses a PA, and reguires an "outbuilding"… It's a CHURCH… Hello?
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