Jul 6, 2012
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A Phoenix man has been sentenced to 60 days in jail after he refused to stop hosting Bible studies in the privacy of his home – in violation of the city’s building code laws.
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However, the Phoenix city prosecutor’s office said the violations have nothing to do with religious freedom — and everything to do with public safety.
“It came down to zoning and proper permitting,” said Vicki Hill, the chief assistant city prosecutor. “Any time you are holding a gathering of people continuously as he does — we have concerns about people being able to exit the facility properly in case there is a fire — and that’s really all this comes down to.”
According to court documents provided to Fox News Radio, 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 probation and a $12,180 fine. He could be jailed as early as next week unless the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals grants an emergency injunction.
“They’re cracking down on religious activities and religious use,” Salman told Fox News Radio. “They’re attacking what I as a Christian do in the privacy of my home.”
“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.”
The Salman Family
However, the Arizona courts consistently ruled against Salman – ultimately declaring that he was engaged in church activities and that the city did not violate his constitutional rights to religious freedom.
The long-running feud between Salman and the City of Phoenix culminated in the summer of 2009 when nearly a dozen police along with city inspectors raided their home. Armed with a search warrant, police confined the Salman family to the living room as they combed the property looking for violations.
Salman is the owner of Mighty Mike’s Burgers — and he is also an ordained pastor. He and his wife have been hosting Bible studies on their 4.6 acre property since 2005. The gatherings were originally attended by as many as 15 people.
Hill said the city became aware of the meetings after neighbors apparently complained about traffic congestion.
In 2007 they received a letter from the city informing them that the Bible studies were not permitted in their living room because it was in violation of the construction code.
A few months later, members of the Phoenix Fire Dept. broke up the family’s Good Friday fellowship. As many as 20 people were in their backyard eating a meal when firefighters threatened to call the police – unless their guests left the premises.
“Immediately after that, we decided to contact an attorney,” Salman told Fox News Radio. “The city emphasized that bible studies or church-related activities are not permitted on residences because you have non-family members coming to the home and such use is considered church use.”
In the summer of 2008 firefighters once again broke up a gathering – and Salman finally reached his breaking point. He ordered the firefighters to leave his property.
“We told them they had no right,” he said. “They had been harassing us since February. This is our home. We are a private gathering. This is Christians gathering on my private property.”
The city ignored the Salmans until 2009 – when they built a 2,000 square foot building in their backyard. Salman said he applied for and was granted the proper building permits. He also said the building has passed a city inspection.
“At that point we took our Bible study from our living room – and we moved it into that building,” he said. “We started worshipping in that building every weekend.”
However, Hill said Salman has “mischaracterized the facts” of the permit. She said he was given a permit to convert a garage into a game room.
“Any other occupancy or use – business, commercial, assembly, church, etc, is expressly prohibited pursuant to the city of Phoenix building code and ordinances,” she told Fox News Radio.
On June 11, 2009, the Phoenix Police Dept. showed up with a search warrant. When they had completed the search, Salman was charged with 67 code violations.
He was charged with not having emergency exit signs over the doors. He was charged with not having handicap parking spaces and not having handicap ramps.
“Imagine everything that a public building would have or a commercial building would have,” he said. “Anything we didn’t have was a violation.”
The largest source of contention has been whether or not Salman is running a church. He insists it is not.
But his building certainly resembles a church. It has chairs for as many as 40 people. There is a pulpit. There’s a sign out front – along with a cross.
“Just because visitors come to my home three times a week and we discuss the Bible – if that’s their definition of a church then so be it,” 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?” he asked. “People have a right to gather on their property as long as parking is available, as long as they aren’t parking in the street, as long as they aren’t violating noise ordinances.”
Hill said the facts are clear.
“He built a structure that he said wasn’t a church — that is in fact — a church,” she said. “It’s a church.”
And the courts agreed — noting in a Jan. 4, 2010 ruling: “The state is not saying the Salmans can’t run a church or have worship services at the location. But the state is saying that if they do so, they must do it properly and in accord with fire and zoning codes.”
Salman’s attorney has filed an appeal with the federal court – and unless they intervene – Salman will start serving his sentence on July 9.
FOX News Talk
What part did you miss that he runs and owns a restaurant and is NOT a FULL TIME PASTOR! Why can a neighbor have functions where they have extra traffic and it does not violate anyones rights, but if it involves prayer, suddenly their rights are violated! When they build an additional room to address parking, then additional harrassment is dealt! YOU do not know if it is used as a game room or not! If you do not like that the religious have rights in this country, let me help YOU pack and leave! What a bunch of crap!
You mean, like a forty hour a week pastor? I guess you haven't seen his webpage and YouTube account where he talks about coming to his church, then?
Keeping you and your precious family in my prayers. As Christians, we are being persecuted. Fight the good fight!
The neighborhood has over 20 churches in 1 square mile. Many community evens use these facilities and partner with them. How is that being persecuted. If he would buy a building meant for his purpose, the neighbors would probably help him advertise to get members.
Time to talk with our votes,folks. Vote,vote,vote. Let us be heard loudly at the polls. No more nonsense. This Pastor should run for office!
He did. He lost miserably.
That's too bad. I would've voted for him had I lived there.
Then I guess it's "keep praying, praying, praying"!
Yeah, 'cause that works.
He's a convicted felon….
Those people who are against you are catholic . JESUS IS FIGHTING FOR YOU CONTINUE TO PRAY . AND REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR THEM .
The comments are true this has been going on for the past 5 years before the building was even built and please we have less friends and family gather then at Superbowl parties and your saying its because its every Sunday so should the huge familiesthat gather together for Sunday dinner every week should they be violated because there is a lot of them and they say prayer before they eat. If you want to see the Pastors housethehuge park across the streete the house 2 doors down that have cars parked up and down the street, if you want to hear the noise we make during praise and worship then you can go to facebook the page is jailed for home worship and you can see all the videos everything so you know that nothing we are saying is made up you can even see the papers fromthe city before the building was built saying that we could not hold Bible studies but we are allowed to have parties. So please take a moment go look at the page so you can see the truth. And thank you all that spoke up for me about my spelling God be with you
Holy crap! It's a church. Here he is preaching as the QUOTE:"pastor" of his QUOTE:"church". Some of you Christians are out there with your false sense of persecution.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbTmZ1RA2Nw
And here's his website: http://hcfaz.org/.
Again: it's a church! Are you people dense in the head?
fucking child molester you fucking fuck
jesus thinks your a douche
I love you. Can we get together for a side of beef?
If you have a kids birthday party will your home be considered as a "Chuckie Cheese"? God forbid that you have a pool party because then you would be having a "Sporting Event" in your backyard!
If you build an arcade in your backyard without a permit?
Maybe you should read the article again, you're clearly confused…he built a large building, without a permit and is using it to hold services…….it doesn't meet the exisiting code for that usage….
Seems the article said he got the permits needed at that time…he wasn't holding services, he was having bible study. We have bible study in our home not worship services. Two VERY different things…
The religious have plenty of tax free venues for preaching their religion, that's what they are for. If you want tax exemption then use the building provided. A home is not a church and should not be used as one on a regular basis. If you are going to run a business from home you pay tax and 3rd party insurance the same as everyone else. It's not one rule for them and a different one for everyone else.
The religious have plenty of tax free venues for preaching their religion, that's what they are for. If you want tax exemption then use the building provided. A home is not a church and should not be used as one on a regular basis. If you are going to run a business from home you pay tax and 3rd party insurance the same as everyone else. It's not one rule for them and a different one for everyone else.
You should have every right to have a bunch of people on your property for a bbq etc, I don't agree with them bothering you about that, but it would appear from this article that you have built a church on your property. CAll it what it is, bring it up to code and carry on. You should be able to privately gather in your home and have a bible study, but you have a building on your property that resembles a church and is used for such purposes. As a Christian, I would happily join you and your family in a study and in worship but I feel that you need to humble yourself and do whatever it takes to make it right. Why argue with the law? It goes against the scriptures! install fire exit signs, ramps, mark a wheel chair spot in your driveway…
Government is a Gang of violent busy bodies. Always and Everywhere.
Ya, those pesky ordinances that say you can't have a 24-hour auto repair facility next to your home are so invasive. And those building codes that say you need to have sprinklers and an unlocked exit so that people can escape in a fire take all the excitement out of seeing dozens of people burn to death on the 11 o'clock news.
Zoning ordinances and building codes are what cities always use to try to control or otherwise shut down anything they don't like. That is why they are such a mixed-up mess because they try to quantify and qualify and define all activities simply so they can control them and control their people.
While it may seem reasonable to regulate against a major manufacturing operation running next to a residential neighborhood – the typical reason given for enacting and enforcing a zoning ordinance — or to promote safety – the typical reason given for fire codes– which do make some logical sense, the logic is expanded to the point of the ridiculous when communities attempt to apply it to things like Bible studies in homes.
The same ridiculous types of logic are frequently employed by Depts of Human Services/Child Protection or Welfare against home-schooling families — even if the parents have more educational degrees or certifications than many local school staff members.
The whole point goes beyond public or private safety issues to control — plain and simple — under the guise of "protection" and "community safety."
Christian families like the Salmans are "guilty" of following the Bible, teaching their children to do the same, and not "conforming" or "complying" with their community's norms. For that, their community says they should be severely punished.
Beware, Christians. The City of Phoenix is not the only community pulling this kind of stuff. Strong stands need to be taken against Phoenix til this nonsensical persecution stops. Don;'t be deluded by the city's insistance that the "violations" are what this is all about. If the Salmans "fixed" all the building code "violations" the City still wouldn't be satisfied until the "church" stops meeting and the Salmans leave town.
I would contact Fred and Nina Gutierrez @ setoffdebt.com They will show you how to stop these public servants and create liability for public servants who infringe on rights. They are vulnerable through Oaths of office and their surety bonds.
Charles n Howard, I know bashing Southerner may be popular where you are, we really do have laws that we respect, going back to when we signed the Declaration of Independence. You know, that clause that started it all? The 1st Amend to the Constitution? You don't have to practice a relgion, but you can't stop anyone else from doing it.
Yes, bashing southerners is very 'popular' in North Carolina where I live. Or not. Nobody's stopping him from practicing religion. He has a registered non-profit, a church website (care to donate to his house?), signage, and a YouTube channel. He's also an ordained minister who happens to have served multiple prison sentences for various scams and a driveby. The last time he went to prison, it was for robbing the church he presided over. Any time you see something like this on Fox, you should do some fact-checking, since you already know Fox is as biased as ABC, just in the other direction. Instead, you people choose to join the poor pity me bandwagon. You make up 80% of this country, yet you claim persecution when a con man tries to get out of paying taxes for his income.
Yes, bashing southerners is very 'popular' in North Carolina where I live. Or not. Nobody's stopping him from practicing religion. He has a registered non-profit, a church website (care to donate to his house?), signage, and a YouTube channel. He's also an ordained minister who happens to have served multiple prison sentences for various scams and a driveby. The last time he went to prison, it was for robbing the church he presided over. Any time you see something like this on Fox, you should do some fact-checking, since you already know Fox is as biased as ABC, just in the other direction. Instead, you people choose to join the poor pity me bandwagon. You make up 80% of this country, yet you claim persecution when a con man tries to get out of paying taxes for his income.
Bill Bennett is from Brooklyn and he has manners.
Anyone? Feel free to join in…
My South bashing conversants, I work for you freedom to bash us and curremtly at night and must leave you so as to sleep, and get up and do it all over again. Later, dudes!
South bashing, the last pc correct target, too easy.
No, atheists are the last pc correct target. The south is full of inbred morons- Signed, guy from the south, living in NC.
Wow! Nothing like the government telling you what you can say, and discuss in your own home. How are any of the laws quoted in this article constitutional? Maybe the local authorities should concentrate on serving and protecting the public instead of creating a Police State.
In his own home? Are you people seriously this dense? He has a website, a 2000 sq ft church, a sign out front… This is not a home. This is a church.
The worship started in his home.
Yes, and nobody had a problem with it for over a year. Then he built an illegal facility, and it became illegal.
What makes this church different from any other church that has to follow the same code? Y'all trying to say that this church is more special then the rest of them? Growing up my friends family had church in their barn and they had permits and all kinds of legal statements saying it was ok for them to do that. And it looks like the city has told them they can have church with the right documentaion. So get off your holy horse and spend $27 on a permit.
Then all social activities, including having the city council over for a party, should be stopped in that city as there "might" be a fire and they "might " not have a way to escape? Let me see when a home is built it is required to meet building codes for a large family IF there is a fire-so what's the problem? Does a family of say 8 or 10 need a "special" permit to live in their home, they built and bought, meeting code-naw this is an attack on Christians by one woman. Fire her! She is so blatantly liberal minded –stupid!
Another example of why Christans belive they are above the laws of the land. The mans arrogance is appalling. This is not his home it is a Church. My repsect for people like this is zero. Why to Christains get away beliving they are above the rest of us. There constant bleating of victimsation is getting very boring. Shut up whinning or obey the law the rest of us have to. Being a Christiain is nothing special just a licence intolerance and hatred.
Isn't this a separation of church and state at it's fullest? Seems like the city is violating it to me.
The law has been distorted and manipulated so much that any person can interpret it to his or her agenda at will.
True enough. I suppose we will eventually be an underground group just to talk about our Lord and share His word. Can't understand though why any one would even care if they weren't believers as long as they were not forced to hear or participate. They are afraid. The promise and hope of Our Lord is only open to those who believe and follow Him anyway, so it isn't like any one can be forced or catch the "Christian" bug. It is simply not contagious with out hope and belief.
You're 80 percent of the population. Get a grip. This guy's a con man who has a registered charity, is ordained, and collects tithe. You have churches on every corner, but you choose to believe a felon is being "persecuted". Wow. You people are sick in the head.
You're 80 percent of the population. Get a grip. This guy's a con man who has a registered charity, is ordained, and collects tithe. You have churches on every corner, but you choose to believe a felon is being "persecuted". Wow. You people are sick in the head.
Oh my goodness, Charles Thomas, based on the above article which is what my comment was about, there is no claim or accusation of registered charity, collecting of tithes or him being ordained. His being ordained if he is does not mean he can not have a bible study. A bible study I attended years ago collected tithes as well to provide bibles for those who couldn't and coffee or soda or water for the participants. None of these are illegal. You are making claims beyond the article everyone is posting on. Where did you get your info? Care to share if there is another story. In all fairness I would look at the other side of the coin were on presented. Instead only one is so this what I have read and commented about. I don't agree with Christians breaking the law. In fact they should be prosecuted as anyone IF INDEED they are actually breaking the law. But this article clearly shows harassment of a private happening in a private home by government. Separation of Church and state. Period. No point in arguing and spewing uglies when it is just conversation about what we each think. May God find you and give you peace.
Norma Jean Vaughan Slagel Do a little research on this guy. Pay close attention to the prison sentences for robbing churches. Come back here and tell me if you still feel the same way. Fact check first: then make claims. Fox is not a reliable source of news.
Charles, I did as you asked though admit not spending hours at this and have not found another news source for your claims. Would you mind terribly posting a few reliable and trusted news sources that back up your claims? I admitted I only commented based on this particular article, but from what I have been coming across in my search this evening so far seems to be saying the same thing. Could you please share several more sites with your claims? Thanks in advance for your time. God Bless.
Here's the scoop. He's a con man who's living in luxury on ill-gotten gains:
Here's the Arizona state registration for a non-profit (business, subject to business laws and zoning): http://starpas.azcc.gov/scripts/cgiip.exe/WService=wsbroker1/names-detail.p?name-id=09924836&type=CORPORATION
Here's information on how to give these people money "for their church" (a registered non-profit organization i.e. Company):
http://www.charityblossom.org/nonprofit/harvest-christian-fellowship-phoenix-az-85051-suzanne-salman-vice-pres-861033406/
Church website (recently deleted, but archived here): http://web.archive.org/web/20010802132421/http://www.harvestchristianfellowshipaz.org/
Here's the google search: tons of links on this lowlife!
https://www.google.com/webhp?rlz=1C1CHFX_enUS479US479&sourceid=chrome-instant&ie=UTF-8#hl=en&rlz=1C1CHFX_enUS479US479&output=search&sclient=psy-ab&q=michael%20salman%20501c3%20&oq=&gs_l=&pbx=1&fp=d7a50cc02f3c90da&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.,cf.osb&biw=1280&bih=699
Some other snippets I found:
LinkedIn account, listing his home as church:http://www.linkedin.com/pub/michael-salman/46/574/b42
http://www.superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/docket/CriminalCourtCases/index.asp <<–Browse this, and NY's law enforcement pages to see what a criminal he is.
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/harvest777123
Also, check out his church website:
http://hcfaz.org/
I see he changed the facebook to not appear as a church since I last looked. Offer donations though, and watch what they say: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Harvest-Christian-Fellowship-Ministries/285516611470833
There's plenty more, including his criminal activity which can easily be found at the court websites above.
Dear Michael Salman and Family. As you are an ordained Pastor, and a brother in Christ we are Ambassadors of Christ. We represent Christ in everything we say and do, and the world looks upon us as leaders. Now as Christians we have our share of persecutions for the Gospel sake, and there our trials that we go through because we don't follow the laws of the land, rather you may think it just or unjust. Now judging by what f permit you have and paid for and zoned for is for Gaming recreational personel use. It true they would have never bugged you if you use it as a game room. That's exactly what the permit is and zoned for nothing more nothing less. Now according to this article it appears you have a sign outside saying There is always hope with Jesus. You do have a cross up having bible studies, and according to this News Article you are an Ordained Minister. If you where the Mayor of your own Town, would you think this was a games Room, or a church. It is good that you have friends , neighbours, and familiy for Bible Study. It is alway good there is no problem with noise etc. The court even in their own statement according to this article said they weren't against you have church service or worship services at your home just as long you have the proper zoning(church) not gaming, and fire zoning codes.
Personnally Mr(Pastor Salman) The Fire Department, the City, the Court would have Never Bugged you over you extended Rebuilt Garage if in Fact you did the right steps and zoned it Properly, and made the Proper Fire and Safety issues in the First Place. Since your attended purpose was having your Bible Services from you Personnel Home into your 2000 foot extended Garage that seats 40 people, 3 times a week, it would be best to pay the fines and make the proper adjustments so it can pass the fire codes. If you choose to go to Jail its not for the Gospel Sake its because you never Zoned it Properly for Bible Studies(Church, Worship etc) and Fire and Safety Zoning. As a Christian Brother in Christ I Own my Business as well, and had to do the Necessary Steps in Wheel Chair Acessabiltiy, put 2 Water Fountains in, and a Proper Restroom in for a Wheel Chair, before it past inspection by the city so I could open the Doors. My Store Front is only 1200 square feet! Now you said you had your building inspected and it passed no Problems. They inspected for what type of Permit you Have signed and paid for Gaming for your own personnel use. Like it or not there are differently Zoning Bylaws, even on Personally owning Properly. Its it immoral or unethical according to Biblical standards? Of Course not. Yes it also true, that in the past according to your words the FireDeparment where unjustly bugging you, about having Bible Studies in your Personnel Home. That was in 2007, before you had you sign up, and your 2000 square 40 seat Bible Study Building. Here is a question why didn't you get the Proper Permit and Zoning in the First Place? Your are an Ordained Pastor, you do have a right to conduct Bible Studies(Freedom on Religion). It is your own Property. As a Property Owner its your own Responsibitly to get the Proper Zoning, and Permits if you want to Build according to your intended use of that Building. In America there are Freedoms, but accordingly to the laws, and city bylaws. To whom much is Given much is Required.
BRAINWASHING CHILDREN IS CHILD ABUSE HOPE ALL YOU FREAK GO TO JAIL.
Where's the ACLU?
The ACLU only defends perverts and degenerates!
Exactly, or as they are more accurately known, 'conservative christians'…
Where's the ACLU?
CHRISTIAN ARE BRAINWASHING THEIR CHILDREN AND THAT's CHILD ABUSE.
You are entitled to brainwash your children your religious views. That is your responsibility as a parent.
sorry not with fake christ and fake muhammad– child abuse brother
This poor 'prophet' guy must be the lonliest fella in the world, full of hatred towards just about everything. Can you imagine him rasing a child and teaching his kids all of this vile hate towards everyone around him? If being raised a Christian is child abuse then it worked out great for me… Full and happy life and love for mankind. That is what it is all about no matter the religious beliefs. Oh well… what can you do except pray.
Regardless how you feel about other parents "brainwashing their children" All parents have the responsibility to teach their children. That is how children grow up to be the kind of adult, good or bad. From your attitude about life, it appears that your parents brainwash you as a child to be the kind of person you are now. Your parents should go to jail for child abuse. Just look at you. LOL
That's a very Christian response. Teaching fairy tales to your children instead of real facts is, at best, lazy parenting.
That's a very Christian response. Teaching fairy tales to your children instead of real facts is, at best, lazy parenting.
it is not teaching our children fairy tales but real facts of World history. Even scientist have discovered real proof in the ground that supports real facts of world historythat I taught my children. Do you teach your children real facts of world history?
Joey Bee That's a lie. The bible is not a historical accounting of events. Even the most religious people will tell you it's allegory. Many, many historical events are mis-stated. Of course, you'll just say the bible's right and the real world is wrong, right? It's not healthy to believe in talking animals as an adult.
Joey Bee Yes, I teach my child REAL facts, not made up crap that's repeatedly been debunked. The record of historical accuracy in the bible is atrocious. Even most religious leaders admit this. Are you telling me you're more fanatical than the Pope?
Unreal! What happen to freedom of speech, occupy wall street was tolerated. The day of reckeoning is coming!
Irony: proclaiming the death of free speech while using it.
Unreal! What happen to freedom of speech, occupy wall street was tolerated. The day of reckeoning is coming!
Rev. Julian Greene – Fuller Theological Seminary, former pastor. This brings up some excellent considerations. I'm not sure how old you are, Michael, or if you have lived an extremely sheltered life, but this had nothing to do with religious discrimination. Neighbors complained. Police had no option but to follow up on the situation. As an ordained minister who has not lived under a rock, I can tell you that the city is doing its due diligence. I don't think many people have continuous poker games or football parties several times a week for 15 to 40 people. You are making a spectacle of yourself, and making it about "religion" and discrimination, when nobody is doing that but you. You apparently expect the city to look the other way because it's a religious meeting. I have owned more than one business and have checked permits for hospitality and other situations. You have to abide by the rules. Plain and simple. "Render unto Caesar…" You are in violation of city codes. They are not in violation of God's code.
My husband plays poker once a week at a friends house. Texas Hold Em poker games often have 15 people playing.
Once a week is not 3 or 4 times a week. And I doubt that there's a sign outside advertising the poker game. And if there isn't a parking problem, and no one gets goofy, there shouldn't be any neighbors complaining. This has to be put into perspective from EVERY angle, not just the ones supporting the "discrimination" claims. No one is saying you can't start a home church. But you have to do your due diligence with the city. This is a zoning issue. A home church has to start with a petition of the neighbors asking for their agreement that it is all right to have said church. (Yes, that's the law in Arizona.) From reading other comments and following up on this story, I see that this man has no desire whatsoever to be a law-abiding citizen. It's easier to be a victim.
Once a week is not 3 or 4 times a week. And I doubt that there's a sign outside advertising the poker game. And if there isn't a parking problem, and no one gets goofy, there shouldn't be any neighbors complaining. This has to be put into perspective from EVERY angle, not just the ones supporting the "discrimination" claims. No one is saying you can't start a home church. But you have to do your due diligence with the city. This is a zoning issue. A home church has to start with a petition of the neighbors asking for their agreement that it is all right to have said church. (Yes, that's the law in Arizona.) From reading other comments and following up on this story, I see that this man has no desire whatsoever to be a law-abiding citizen. It's easier to be a victim.
This has got to be a joke. Being fined $12k and sentenced to jail for 60 days for holding regular Bible studies without an Exit sign or Handicap parking? This is Phoenix, USA, not some communist country! Ridiculous.
Read the real story from the AZ paper and other sources, or watch his advertising videos trying to raise money, or drive by his house and look at the steeple and church sign out front.
I haven't seen it asked and answered but if the Salman's have not registered their "church" as a non-profit organization then it should not be considered a church by any government agency. I assume they are not taking an offering to pay for the building, etc. so no money is changing hands. It is a private party–3 times a week. And I don't see how on 4+ acres of land that any neighbors would be close enough to be bothered by noise. As long as the parking is on private land that should not be an issue either. If you were having dog or cock fights you wouldn't have nearly as much trouble ya know?
He has a website and YouTube channel for his church. He has signage. He takes tithe. Yes, it's a church, and it's illegal. As far as cock fights or dog fighting, people would be going to jail longer Get real.
He has a website and YouTube channel for his church. He has signage. He takes tithe. Yes, it's a church, and it's illegal. As far as cock fights or dog fighting, people would be going to jail longer Get real.
They have a registered, tax-exempt non-profit at their home address.
Nonprofit Organization Harvest Christian Fellowship
Address 7601 N 31st Ave
Phoenix, Arizona 85051
Nonprofit Classification Religious Organization
Affiliation Independent
Organization Type Corporation
Deductibility Code Contributions are deductible.
EIN (Tax ID) 861033406
Exempt Code Unconditional Exemption
Foundation Code Church 170(b)(1)(A)(i)
Filing Requirement Code Not required to file (church)
Ruling Date 1, 2002
Accounting Period January
Whoops. Guess they screwed up. Err, he's being persecuted by Satan. Yeah, that's what it is. Clear persecution. Not.
If you ask me, the guy is a typical religious tax cheat. Register your home as a church and start taking collections that get funneled tax-free back into your home.
He's an ex-con and was sued by his previous congregation when they wanted to get rid of him and he wouldn't leave. Like many ex-cons, he figured out that there is good money to be made in God when you have no other useful skills.
He even openly admits the time he spent in prison for what you mentioned already, plus some violent stuff, including a prison sentence for his involvement in a drive by shooting. All in all, this guy's a lowlife dirt bag and the "Christians" are supporting the wrong person here. You are supporting a criminal con-man wrapped in church garb. I believe the bible lectures extensively on this subject. He's a wolf in sheep's clothing, claiming persecution to disguise wrong doing. Shame on these people! There actually ARE Christians in many parts of the world being persecuted right now. Show your support for some real victims instead of these felons.
This is a really simple Matter. Just bring up your extended 2000 square foot 40 seat Bible study Building up to code, and get the right permit not game room pay the fines, and you can carry on with the Lords Work. The Lord will provide your needs according to his riches and Glory. As a homeowner if you want to build you have to get the proper permit for what it is ended for. If you said it was a gameroom, then you receive the permit you paid for. You have to pay taxes to city, why not go the extra mile and get the required permit and upgrade so you can carry on with the Lords Works. Now if you paid the fines, did all the upgrades, to make it legal according to the city, and they still bug you, then of course you can take legal action. You do own your own business and you had to do all the Necessary permits and firecodes etc. Now isn't the Lords work just as important. Your are an ordained Pastor show the city you have no problems following citybylaws permits an codes. You might impressed them, you Never Know they just might sit in one of your Bible Studies. Now Your Family will be Much Better supported if you keep out of Jail.
Take your bible to jail with you and preach every day while you're in there, then when you get out run for city counsel.
unbelievable!! so very sad!!!
unbelievable!! so very sad!!!
That's true. He turned to religion while he was in prison for conning church people out of money. Waait a minute…..
Charles, that was so original. Waait a minute…no it wasn't.
Seriously. He's a con man. He went to jail for ripping off a church, and for his part in a driveby, on top of other scams. Look it up. Plus, he has a registered charity at his "game room" that says it's a "church". He collects money from parishioners which he pays his bills with. You're being taken in by a con man. Try getting some of your information from "not Fox".
Send a link.
Take your bible to jail with you and preach every day while you're in there, then when you get out run for city counsel.
Take your bible to jail with you and preach every day while you're in there, then when you get out run for city counsel.
Take your bible to jail with you and preach every day while you're in there, then when you get out run for city counsel.
This didn't have to come to this. Get a building in an area zoned for church and you're golden.
This didn't have to come to this. Get a building in an area zoned for church and you're golden.
So, none of the firemen, city council, police dept. ever have non family members over to their homes or go to friends homes?
My son said that because Mr. Salman sentence was for a zoning violation he should do his time but everyone who ever went there should sue for religious persecution.
Doesn't the constitution give freedom to assemble as well as freedom of religion?
Apparently we've been in violation of Phoenix city code every time we had a BYC, fireside, presidency meeting, youth swim party, etc. at our house.
If you built a facility with signage, a website, and took money for the service… YES!
If you built a facility with signage, a website, and took money for the service… YES!
Sounds like Mr Salaman isn't the victim Fox News lead us to believe….
"Salman and his wife have not paid taxes on the property since an inspector from the Maricopa County Assessor's Office approved Salman's request to have the property classified as a church in 2008.
When the inspector visited the home, a sign outside the property included the name of the church, according to court documents, and the inspector found a podium, folding chairs and other items that allowed him to grant the property tax-exempt status."
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/2012/07/11/20120711phoenix-preacher-jailed-zoning-dispute.html
Hang in there. We know who wins!! Prayers to you and your family.
This is Ridiculous!!!!!
Hang in there. We know who wins!! Prayers to you and your family.
After reading this guy's bigoted statements (when running for office), I support the city.
This is BEYOND ridiculous! What the ????? I'm really at a loss. Michael, I hope your next court appeal finds in your favor. We used to host card games regularly before my son was born & my house is a LOT smaller than yours, never once had a problem. Usually the gatherings had 10-12 people not including myself.
This is a clear cut case of religious discrimination. This country was FOUNDED by people escaping religious persecution, have we forgotten that? Or is it that laws only protect one way? Atheists can screech that I cannot profess my faith because it "offends" them, but I cannot say to them that these attacks strengthen my faith?
Very lopsided.
To Todd Scher-whatever your last name is-
How was he violating his neighbors rights? Parking was an issue, he fixed that. They weren't violating sound ordinances. So WHAT? What were they doing to upset their neighbors delicate sensibilities?
I think you should take your opinion & tell it to people who wish to hear it because no 1 hear wants too or cares what you have to say.
Good luck Michael!
So you built a 2000 square foot building and advertised church activities inside? You had signage out front? You accepted money? Get real.
So you built a 2000 square foot building and advertised church activities inside? You had signage out front? You accepted money? Get real.
Janet, why don't you do a little research of zoning laws before you attack someone else?
Janet, why don't you do a little research of zoning laws before you attack someone else?
So now it starts. We love Jesus Christ! (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) Come Lord Jesus, Come.
What a complete joke! You're right too; If that was Monday Night Football there wouldn't have been anything said about this. People gather every Monday night to watch football and I wonder if these "Zoning people" are going around and checking out these packed houses with people getting drunk?
What a complete joke! You're right too; If that was Monday Night Football there wouldn't have been anything said about this. People gather every Monday night to watch football and I wonder if these "Zoning people" are going around and checking out these packed houses with people getting drunk?
You should probably do better fact checking. This guy has a registered non-profit "church" at his home, collects money, and is a convicted felon (con artist). Way to pick the wrong side. Of course, if you get all your news from Fox, I guess you'll stay this derpy.
There is a federal law that bars any governmental unit from using zoning laws to stop any person from doing their religious beliefs on all properties in the United States. I know this because the government here in Gladwin County tried to stop us from opening a homeless shelter about 4 years ago. After sending this to you I will find out the name of the law and get back to you soon. May the Good Lord Bless you for reporting this blatant discrimination.
The 1st amendment to US Constitution guarantees the right to practice your religion, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 bars discrimination based on religion and also the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized persons Act (RLUIPA) passed about 10 years ago bars governments from stopping religious activities based on zoning.There are also provisions in this act that makes it a criminal act for the city of Phoenix, the zoning department, the police involved , the prosecutor and the.
courts for their criminal acts of attacking a person on institutions based on their religion, or otherwise interfering with religious exercise. As a result in this matter all thse involved in his arrest and prosecution shall immediately be terminated permanently from their job and the individual falsely convicted shall be released from jail and the conviction overturned. Ignorance of all laws pertaining is NO EXCUSE FOR THIS BLANTANT ACT OF DISCRIMINATION AND CRIMINAL ACTIVITY BY THE CITY OF PHOENIX, ARIZONA.
Steve and Lori Freund.
Gods House.
163 Reids Lane.
Gladwin, Mi 48624.