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
They should ban all cults and I mean all of them, Christians, Muslims etc.
In order to have ended up in court and going to Jail he must have been violationg the Law for a while. The Government has every right to enforce Laws and just because you are Religeous does not mean you are above the Law. He obtained a permit to build a game room not a Church so he lied. He shoudl have just moved to a new city or Neighborhood where he could have more control over what he does on his property. The title of this article should be man goes to jail for repeat violations of zoning Law becuase that is what happened.
I think that maybe everyone should hav their own church . . .
Fair enough Brian….but for God's sake….a SWAT team??? Seriously? Look if ya'll do not see the damn obvious similarities to WACO and Ruby Ridge…you're ostriches. It's coming…they keep taking a little more and a little more of our rights and freedoms until we,The People, will have to smack back. This crap is being perpetrated by people with a disdain for any religion, especially Christianity. It is over and to deny this is simply ignorance and denial.
The don't send the SWAT team fo just anyhting nor do they throw people in Jail for violating codes unless they ae acting unreasonable. Waco was hardly the Governments fault. I watched that on TV and the Government waited how long before trying to go in? Weeks. Those people could have and should ahve surrendered. As far as taking away Freedom where are they doing that?
The don't send the SWAT team fo just anyhting nor do they throw people in Jail for violating codes unless they ae acting unreasonable. Waco was hardly the Governments fault. I watched that on TV and the Government waited how long before trying to go in? Weeks. Those people could have and should ahve surrendered. As far as taking away Freedom where are they doing that?
Since the government doesn't follow it's law, then why should we. Wait, before you answer to yourself, really, really think about it. We haven't had a fiscal budget from Congress for four year. Constitution stipulates that Congress complete this task every single year. But Congress has not, nor has the President abide by this law.
Congress bypassed it's own rules to somehow vote on an illegal procedural piece of legislation. The whole political system is full of institutionalized corruption. Congress hasn't voted on anything as of late because the President is governing by Executive and Administrative orders that bypass the Constitution. The Supreme Court is doing it's own thang to preserve it's legacy and John Roberts wants to be known as a Rock Star of the judiciary.
Chicago's murder rate has gone up 38%, gangs are preying on the defenseless, violent drug induced assaults are on the rise, Homeland Security just decreed that breathing is illegal so I ask you again, why in the hell should we follow any law?
If a person wants to have 15 people in his house to preach the word of God and it isn't pissing off the neighbors with cars and such, then have at. Who gives a rats azz what the government thinks.
He has, in fact, been pissing off his neighbors for a long time according to several reputable sources. He's also impersonated a police officer at least once and been arrested for it, and apparently felt his neighbors should be willing to "sacrifice" the peace and quiet of the neighborhood so he can ultimately get his way. That's the hypocrisy..this guy is a lawless nuisance and the town finally nailed him for it.
Sounds like a perfectly legit city ordinance issue to me. I think the 'crackdown on religion' hype is baloney. It might be more ordinances than one wants in your city, true. But it's obvious it's not about religion and to make it so is to blow up a legit municipal issue into a non-existent culture war issue. Not a good thing and those who make it so should be ashamed of themselves.
Wake up, people! Any Christian should know that "church" is not a building. It's the body of believers in the shed blood of Jesus Christ that covers our sin, and in His death, burial and resurrection. We don't ATTEND church. We ARE the church. And in America, we have the right to assemble on our own property and in any structures that we build on that property, for whatever purpose, from prayer to partying. Unless a person or group is disturbing the peace or violating others, the law should have NOTHING to do with it.
Wake up, people! Any Christian should know that "church" is not a building. It's the body of believers in the shed blood of Jesus Christ that covers our sin, and in His death, burial and resurrection. We don't ATTEND church. We ARE the church. And in America, we have the right to assemble on our own property and in any structures that we build on that property, for whatever purpose, from prayer to partying. Unless a person or group is disturbing the peace or violating others, the law should have NOTHING to do with it.
Unfortunately, this group was disturbing the peace and violating others. The structure can accommodate up to 70 people and is therefore required to have 1 parking spot for every 3 attendees. Since that doesn't exists, people use the citypark parking lot across from the man's house and fill up the residential street. This happens 3x a week. The city was pulled in because the neighbors filed complaints.
Point taken. But while this may certainly annoy residents, it is not illegal. "Disturbing the peace" and acts of "violating" others constitute objective, legal terms, not subjective to neighbors being annoyed. Everyone pays taxes to support city parking lots and streets, and everyone may park there. While taking up parking spaces three times a week might not be the nicest thing to do to your neighbors, it is not illegal.
I agree, Penny. It is not illegal to annoy your neighbors but its not a very good witness about the Christian faith. It is also not illegal in Phoenix to "plant a church" in your home or on your property.
"A January 4, 2010, ruling made it clear that the Salmans are not prohibited from running a church or hosting worship services on their property, but if they do so, they must be in compliance with fire and zoning codes. " (Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2170007/Father-faces-60-days-bars-hosting-Bible-study-OWN-home-city-rules.html#ixzz20LMts1Sc)
Churches get planted all over the United States without any controversy. Millions of small and large bible studies are also hosted all over the U.S. every week and no one hears a peep about it. This specific situation with Mr. Salman is neither a moral nor a constitutional issue. This is simply a misguided man who believes that his personal agenda gives him the right to disrespect his neighbors and thumb his nose at city safety regulations.
Someone further down the thread also posted an excellent link that gives more detailed information.
I can agree with that, Melissa, and it certainly can be construed as a poor witness to one's neighbors. In fact, I think it is, and he would be better to have built a structure in a different area. What always remains the issue for me is government intrusion as to what constitutes a "church" or any other setting on one's private property. If the same man had the same number of people over to his house regularly for beer and baseball, would his structure constitute a bar, and thus be subject to the same fire and zoning codes? Further, if the city was pulled in because neighbors complained about it, then it sounds to me like they found a reason to punish him…code violations. Interesting conversation, tho, Melissa. Thanks for your thoughts!
I live in Phoenix, and host a weekly Bible Study in conjunction with our church. I recognize Mr. Salmon as a member of our church, so our study is the same and only 2-3 miles away from Mr. Salmon's. I am sick to my stomach, but in reading the article feel that it is not the purpose of a Bible Study to alienate our neighbors. I feel that Mr. salmon's responsibility was to compromise and go to the church and explain his need to limit the number of participants. I fact, we are supposed to "branch out" into new groups as they get bigger. (As studies get larger that is the instruction to group leaders/hosts). I
I live in Phoenix, and host a weekly Bible Study in conjunction with our church. I recognize Mr. Salmon as a member of our church, so our study is the same and only 2-3 miles away from Mr. Salmon's. I am sick to my stomach, but in reading the article feel that it is not the purpose of a Bible Study to alienate our neighbors. I feel that Mr. salmon's responsibility was to compromise and go to the church and explain his need to limit the number of participants. I fact, we are supposed to "branch out" into new groups as they get bigger. (As studies get larger that is the instruction to group leaders/hosts). I
Still lying about this story a day later, I see. Your own post says in the first eight words, "A Phoenix man who violated city zoning laws…".
I've grown up in church and this has all the looks of one to me.
Whaaaaa !!!!!
I've grown up in church and this has all the looks of one to me.
A few verses come to mind about this situation: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." (2 Cor 12:9) If this man had trusted God completely with his church plant, then God would absolutely have provided him with the right structure, in the right location, at the right price! This man's story could have been an incredible testimony to God's awesome faithfulness and provision. Instead, this man has turned this situation into a circus, an "us against them" thing… my spirit is offended by it.
A few verses come to mind about this situation: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." (2 Cor 12:9) If this man had trusted God completely with his church plant, then God would absolutely have provided him with the right structure, in the right location, at the right price! This man's story could have been an incredible testimony to God's awesome faithfulness and provision. Instead, this man has turned this situation into a circus, an "us against them" thing… my spirit is offended by it.
this is clearly a liability issue, not a religious issue. anyone with even a modicum of legal knowledge would realize this is about the city protecting themselves from being sued and that's all. of couse, it's always more fun for christians to get all butt hurt about percieved persecution but the fact of the matter remains that this guy could be selling lemonade to atheists out of his garage and he'd be facing the same zoning violations.
"Butt hurt." Thanks for the laugh!
Unfortunately, we have allowed our local government to enact zoning laws that are tyrannical and intrusive with the general populations consent. The idea is sold as keeping our neighborhoods clean and beautiful but the real intent is control and abolition of private property rights. So boys and girls, what was the difference between slaves and free men? Free men can own property, slaves could not! Zoning is property control. But honestly this is small patatoes compared to what is happening nationally.
Go to hell Pastor, you broke the laws you do the time same as everyone else. Hiding behind the assembled Christians is no excuse for bringing in your childish feud with City Ordinance. If you think this article really has squat to do with the first amendment then you have been deceived.
He isn't the one who will go to Hell. You, heathen that you are, will go to Hell. You lack knowledge and understanding of the 1st Amendment. Like many, you fail to understand what it says. What are you hiding behind–your ignorance and arrogance? I suggest you go fly a kite in an occupied cow pasture.
it's really the beginning of things to come, pretty soon it will come to a point where we have to hide to worship……this is not going to go down well,
If you believe the spin this website put on this, you believe liars who are trying to trick you into getting mad about something that is a non-issue. A quick google search shows that this is ridiculous.
If you dig a little deeper into the matter, he has paperwork filed with certain courts that list his private residence as a church. The documents have the name of the church followed by his personal address. Take religion out of the equation for just a moment. If a business owner has loans or any other legal paperwork filed that lists his home address as the physical location of the business and his home is not zoned for commercial use, he is breaking the law. Same in this instance. He is breaking the law, because his home is zoned for residential use not commercial or whatever zoning district the local government uses for churches. This matter is getting blown out of proportion in the media because religion is involved.
**In my personal opinion, police action was probably delayed due to the fact that is was a church. A business operating out of a residential area will be shut down almost immediately.
Thr title of the story is completely midleading is should read "Man arrested for endangering the lives of the people in his bible study by holding it in an unsafe building after repeated warning to bring the building up to code" see not many people would be so upset with a truthful title
this is a sad, your in your own home and, it's not against the law to have a bible study in your own home.
Did the homeowner try to claim the tax status of a church or institution?
As a man who understands the "Laws of the Land", and echoing what Robert Lyons wrote, we must obey them. I cannot say that what has happened to this man is a good thing, as an ordained minister my heart and prayers go out to him and his family. But, at the same time as a one time full time firefighter with a little knowledge of the codes spoken of here, I understand the position of the city of Phoenix.
It sounds to me that the city actually gave plenty of chances to do things in the proper manner, such as filing the paperwork. I don't see this as BIG GOVERNMENT trying to squash a citizen or a christian for doing what they wish in their home, only showing that we need to follow the rules. It was said, "If we had people over for Monday night football or poker night it wouldn't have been a problem." If a 2000 square foot building had been built out back to house such events, the zoning laws would have been violated as well.
This is not just an incident of a man being thrown in jail for simply having a bible study in his home, but for a man violating (and it appears refusing to comply with) the law.
What if a fire had happened there in the 2000 sq ft building and it housed 50 people or more? The fire department not having knowledge of such an assembly would not be prepared to handle such a situation and the situation could easily turn into a mass casualty situation. This is what the zoning laws and codes are for, to protect us from such mishaps. Most city ordinances the size of Phoenix would require fire extinguishers, exit signs, break away doors, enough doors for rapid egress and possibly even a fire extinguishing system for any building with such a large occupancy hazard. And hazard is the term that the code would use in such a situation because in such a case as a fire, gas leak or many unknown variables. The reason these laws and codes are in place are for the worst case scenario and for our own protection.
This is unfortunate and it may have transpired differently 20 years ago, but Christians, we still live in the greatest county in the world and the most free. The more we buck the system in situations such as this where the system has a leg to stand on, the less freedom we will find for ourselves.
There are worse battles out there that should take our time and energy.
Doesn't Fox News do even basic research on its "culture warriors" like (Pastor) Michael Hashem Salaman before hyping stories like this one? If they did, they'd find out that he has an extensive record — both criminal and civil — and they wouldn't have stories like this blow up in their faces.
But Maricopa County and City of Phoenix court records are available online and it all eventually comes out, doesn't it?
http://news4themasses.wordpress.com/
If Phoenix does the same to ANYONE who has a PARTY, POKER GAME, has friends oner to WATCH A GAME, or ANY OTHER GATHERING FOR ANY REASON then this is fair, otherwise they need to BUTT OUT of citizens PERSONAL LIVES.
Will Christians support this man when his lack of attention to fire safety gets 2-3 kids killed in a fire or earthquake? He was arrested for creating an unsafe place, not for his religious views or because he wanted to preach at home. No one cares about that. He endangers the lives of people because he is too cheap or poor to pay for a place to accommodate the people he preaches to; churches get tax breaks (for the moment) go take advantage and stop risking people's lives.
Friends, assumptions and name calling are counter-productive. Actually, both sides have valid points– however volatile the issue may be.
–Pastor Salman had been asked by local government to comply with existing zoning codes because the 'home church' had relocated to an out-building on his property; as such, it no longer qualified as a home church. The better Christian witness would be to relocate, incorporate, and set a Scriptural example of compliance. Likewise, if neighbors turn their garage into a 'roadside saloon', zoning ordinances should be enforced based upon noise and occupancy.
An aside: what was the motivation behind this civil disobedience… what point was intended to be made? If the Bible study outgrew extant facilities, merely challenging ANY infringement upon the First Amendment, actual or perceived, sets a dangerous precedent which may have the opposite desired outcome.
–The current Executive and Judicial branches of our government are no longer sympathetic to America's Judeo-Christian heritage, and look for opportunities to amalgamate diametrically opposed core values and beliefs. Literal followers of Islam can't long abide ANY other religious point of view prohibited in 'Koran', nor reconcile existence of Israel or it's allies. As such, Christians are viewed as antagonists in the battle over who gets 'The Inheritance'.
If we, as Believers, are to overcome, it will be 'by the testimony of our witness', not through meaningless civil disobedience.
Time is soon coming when we WILL need to stand for Biblical righteousness, as the US government prohibits Biblical precepts and practice; THEN, we will politely but firmly refuse compliance upon the basis of 'freedom of religion', unless it has been outlawed by Executive Order. "Choose your battles wisely–if you lose, there's no do over."
Any Inspector worth having can find 5 code violations in under 10 minutes. Perhaps your kitchen lacks a functioning GFCI outlet, is that cover plate cracked, did someone run a wire under a joist? When the really want to get you a building inspector is the way they go. Perhaps your home group is next.
I'm going to go ahead and say that this building does look a whole lot like a church, however when they start jailing and fining folks for building code violations for having a bible study in their home you better watch out. This is going to get real ugly, real fast.
Please be aware of the content that you post. Are you sure that you know the correct scripture to back up your comments? I believe that there should be no discrimination to any religion in this type of situation. I am seeing on the college campuses around my city putting chains on Religious groups of all varieties.
I believe there is a war on Christianity, because I have never heard of any other religion other than Christian, being in the news, for violating a "Law". I think that if it were some other religion being practiced in this situation then it would be considered as a "misunderstanding" of the Phoenix law.
The war on Christianity can be felt in the spirit and be seen across the Nation, and especially on TV, but,
I believe in my God, one faith, and one baptism, and know that I he Loves and Protects!
I pray strength to this family, and that if anyone has any questions, feel free to message me.
In Jesus Name!
It's a church (handy tax dodge, eh?). It's a public building. It's subject to the same building restrictions as any other public building. Sorry, no pass this time. If the guy wants a church, he still has to abide by the law. Fox News scores (fails) again.
Look, it's Phoenix. If you can't get a conservative twist in Phoenix, even with Sheriff Joe's help, I'd say you're pretty much on the wrong side.
Seeing people arrested for holding religious service anywhere in this country is disturbing.
I agree – this is upsetting.
Flaunting municipal law for years the way this man did is NOT a Christian act. He blatantly refused to adhere to the law and is facing the consequences for those actions. There is a long history of citations against him by the city, for legitimate code violations.
Before we start talking about the sky falling and the loss of religious liberties, let's wait and see how many more home Bible studies get shut down in Maricopa County in the coming weeks…or months…or years. Don't
One other thought: I can call it whatever I want, but if I serve drinks to dozens of people every friday night in a building out back, I'm running a bar. Once you reach a certain number of people in attendance, the semantics are irrelevant. The structures were in violation of safety and access codes, which usually only come into effect when you reach a certain number of occupants. If he had dozens of people in there regularly, city codes require he accommodate them properly.
The man was convicted and sentenced. Unless someone can find "operated a bible study" as one of the charges, this is all pointless.
I guess this is god's will. lol. And Sheriff Joe's. That "great American" Starnes was lauding just last week. And of course, another totally misleading headline courtesy of Starnes and Fox.
This country was founded on the basis and the concept of freedom to worship, for any government to prohibit any religious gathering in a home as the Apostles did in the Book of Acts is unconstitutional, I guess praying at home and reading the Bible will be illegal next, pray for our country Satan is taking control.
Exactly if the early church had obeyed authority where would the church be, they were ordered not to preach the gospel, Jesus said give to Caesar what is Caesars, he didn't say your soul.
who cares if he moved into a larger building on his property, instead of his house,,, the fact of the matter is,, this man was doing a work for god,,, he might have been reaching people you and I never will,, its all about saving souls, and leading them to jesus,,, or do you all think that the people that were there, should go to a devils hell,,, shame on all of you who disagree with him,,, i wouldn't want my worst enemy to go to a devils hell,,,, i thank this man for doing a work for god.
It boils down to this people, this is America, we should be free to gather and worship God anytime, any place, one day I pray soon Jesus is coming for his church and the rest of the world who want things their way for whatever reason will see it's going to be God's way, whose side do you want to be on, there want be any zoning laws in Heaven, Hallelujah.
I pray for the soon return of Jesus. I agree that we should be able to worship where ever we want. However, this Salman did not do any one any favors by being defiant. There was a zoning problem. The reason it took two years is because the city probably gave them a chance to clean up their act. Because he made some bad choices, we all can spend some time debating it. My take away is obey "Mans Law" unless it is a direct contradiction to "Gods Law." Think of Daniel and his three friends, Shadrack, Meshack and Abednego.
We as Christians should not have to go through this, read our constitution, reverence to God should oversee any law, you should not be able to say hey you can't worship God here, where two or three are gathered in my name I'm there among you, so to arrest any of them is to arrest him.
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
15+ people three times a week in a 2,000 square foot building with a cross and a pulpit? You, my friend, have a church. And you are not zoned for that. (We have this thing called zoning. It's why we don't allow factories to be built next to schools. Maybe everyone needs to calm down and play Sim City.)
Why do I wonder if Fox news would be in such a twist if it was muslims?
Ha! Good point.
It's only Fox News, The Blaze (Glenn Beck's website), and various Christian "news" outlets reporting this "story." Somebody did link to this article (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2170007/Father-faces-60-days-bars-hosting-Bible-study-OWN-home-city-rules.html#ixzz20FGsmeD2) from the conservative-leaning Daily Mail, which contains some degree of balance (and photos!). Interestingly, I heard about this one from my parents. They were sent an e-mail from :shudder: the American Family Association. (Be assured, I will be asking them why they are receiving e-mails from hate groups.)
Communist America.
Communist America.
This is nothing less than a miracle. Michael Hashem Salman wanted a larger church congregation and now he's got one — in the Maricopa County Jail. They can all worship together and wear Sheriff Joe's famous pink underwear and sleep in tents in the Arizona heat.
The Lord works in mysterious ways.
This has nothing to do with religion itself… the host violated the terms of his permit! Temples, Bible Studies, Home Schools, etc. are subject to interferring with public safety issues. Many examples nationwide:
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2011/10/04/lowell-residents-odds-with-buddhist-temple/qSoxt7dhG322WT148hytxO/story.html
Liar, liar, pants ON FIRE! Mr Salman has insisted that the building is not a house of worship, although it certainly looks like one, complete with chairs set up for as many as 40 people, a pulpit and a large cross on the lawn outside.
This guy was given a permit to convert a garage into a game room, not a church or anything else for that matter, and then charged with having no emergency exit signs over the doors, no handicaps parking spaces or handicap ramps.
Every Christian should be outraged at his attempts to use us for his own selfish purposes, namely to try and convince elected officials to intervene in his criminal case! I'm so pissed ab…out people like this deceiving others into believing they've been called to be a pastor or other church leader. We've got to quit being so gullible brothers and sisters.
Here's some of the deceptions and lie's I've discovered Salman has made in his YouTube videos, discussions with me and statements to others:
1. He outright lied on his Building permit applications regarding his intent to build a church building in his backyard. He told them point blank that it would only be used for a "garage" and then later changed that to a "gaming room". Once built it has never once been used as a garage or gaming room. Instead, enough chairs were moved in to accomodate at least 80 people. Oh, and a pulpit was put in. Oh, and there's a large cross on his lawn. Oh, and he hands out printed programs clearly saying his ministry name ending in the word "Church."
2. On video and in statements, Salman falsely represents his church as a "private" Bible study with friends and family. What a crock! Salman also dishonestly compares his activities to a friendly home "poker game or watching a football game"—man, this guy has no shame at all. In reality, any where from 40 to 80 people were showing up, three times a week with their noise, traffic, and litter strewn around the neighborhood. The neighborhood association got so pissed off at Salmans disrespectful, arrogant and outlaw behavior they hired a private investigator to document the attenance levels, the inside 'open acknowledgement' that this 2,000 ft. building was in fact a "church", the fact that the services were NOT PRIVATE but open to the public, complete with "guest cards" to be completed, and offering requests. The P.I. documented one "tithing and offering" report at $6,000 for the month of May 2009 (notice that Salman has dragged this out through the court system for 3 years, exhausting all appeals).
3. Perhaps most aggregious is His manufacture of the 'Oh, poor martyr-me' fiction suggesting he's going to jail for the gospel. Again, outrageous lies to God's people. Wow! Now there are 10 to 12 regular, law abiding churches in the surrounding area. Typical of a sociopath, Salman thinks he's above the law, that he's not like everyone else, that the Earth revolves around him , his needs and what he thinks is right. God isn't having it any longer. Salman has been asked to confess and repent and he has refused. God has no other choice but judgment now.
4. In one of the Salman videos, he says the DA is now going after him for violation of his probation trying to imprison him for 2 1/2 years! Yet another lie. According to the Deputy City Prosecutor, John Tutelman, he is filing probation violations for at least two counts, but there is no set amount of "time" he's requesting. Only the Judge determines that. He suspects Salman might get six months.
So the lies and fraud just don't stop with this guy Salman. God will have the last laugh, I'm sure of that.
1 Peter 2: 12-17
Heidi Camila , yup perfect quote covering this. Apparently Salman doesn't read the Bible much either.
Heidi Camila , yup perfect quote covering this. Apparently Salman doesn't read the Bible much either.
they basically built a church (commercial) building in a residential neighborhood? Wow! that is all I have to say about that…
Todd Starnes is twisting the truth… He didn't get arrested for holding a bible study, he got arrested for breaking the law by building a commercial building in a residential neighborhood and not following the building codes. This isn't persecution of Christians in America. It's arresting someone who was just trying to push the limits of the law and rebel against the law.
As a White Christian in America… Life must be hard for you.
It seems pretty obvious that the guy was busted for violating a number of safety ordinances, not for holding Bible studies.
It seems pretty obvious that the guy was busted for violating a number of safety ordinances, not for holding Bible studies.
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.
Very sad!