Chuck & Stephanie Fromm at their San Juan Capistrano home
With the thoughtful responses from the many people who have shared their feelings of interest and even shock at the treatment a Bible study held at the house of Chuck and Stephanie Fromm in San Juan Capistrano, California, Chuck has dedicated his personal blog to the activity of cutting through the legal language and trying to help people understand the heart of what is happening in his home and community. There we will keep you up to date on communications that come in that bring clarity and light to the issue.
The Issue
Certainly there are codes and rules and citations (those will be linked and discussed in subsequent posts), but what is the heart of the matter? That’s what we want to share here. For us and for the millions of others like us, it is the right to gather.
Let’s put it this way. For the past five years Stephanie Fromm has been moved by the Beth Moore DVD ministry, so she has made it a practice to share it with her friends in her home once a week in the afternoon. It’s a small affair; sometimes there are three people, four people, but never more than six. They sit together in her living room, watch the video from whichever series they are on as they flip through their notebooks. They take some time to discuss the topic and then … they pray together—pray for one another.
As things stand today, if Stephanie invites her friends to her house this Wednesday afternoon to pray or continue the series, she is breaking the law.
Shocked? Hopefully you are.
Background
This is the reality that the Fromms are currently facing. And it is particularly wounding because gathering to pray with others in their community is deeply important to them. It is an outlet for their deepest personal beliefs and how they care for the people in their lives. In terms many of you would understand, it is their ministry. Maybe you can relate.
Where did all of this start?
The problems came when the regular Bible study that the Fromms held on Sunday mornings in their home was issued a citation for meeting regularly without a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). The Sunday morning study gathers anywhere from 20 to 50 people on a given week. It’s a contemplative service, so there is no noise pollution, and there is ample parking space along the hill approaching the Fromm house.
This is from a recent press release on the issue:
The homeowners, Chuck and Stephanie Fromm, were fined $300 for holding the Bible study. Mr. Fromm appealed the ruling to the City of San Juan Capistrano, which was founded as a mission in the late 1700s and is home to California’s oldest building still in use, a chapel where Father Junipero Serra celebrated mass. Fromm was told by a hearing officer that regular gatherings of more than three people require a conditional use permit. Officials also stated that further religious gatherings in the home would be subject to a $500 fine per meeting. The City eventually rejected the appeal and Pacific Justice Institute has taken the next step by appealing the decision to the California Superior Court in Orange County.
The Bible study group, which met on Sunday mornings, until the City threatened further fines, was perfectly suited for his home, said Chuck Fromm. There was no noise beyond normal conversation and quiet music on the home stereo system. They met inside their family room and patio area. Many neighbors have written letters of support, denying they were disturbed by the presence of the Bible study. The group is not affiliated with any particular church, nor is it seeking to establish a church in the home.
What Do You Think?
We are not ones to simply say that there is an evil out to persecute all Christians. That type of extremism we don’t find helpful in times and situations like these. But we do have serious concerns about what is occurring here. The fact that a governing body can effectively shut down an act of worship taking place in a private home does not sound like the heart of America. In fact it goes against the fabric of our constitution—specifically the right to assemble. And while we have concerns about this reality as Christians, this situation affects more than those of us in the faith. Any gathering, any religious group, sports team, scout pack, band rehearsal, poker night, has reason to take note. But of course, as Christians it is disturbing on deeper levels. And it is even more alarming today than ever before: according to an NBC news report that aired one year ago (see video below), there are between 6 and 12 million people meeting in home churches every Sunday! Can local government decide if these churches have the right to gather? The right to worship … the right to pray?
We want to know what you think. Please share your thoughts with us on this matter.
Here is a timeline of what has actually occurred.
This is shocking to say the least. I wasn’t aware a person needed a permit to pray or hold a Bible study at home. Where two or more are gathered…
It makes me wonder if other cities have this ordinance. No doubt, this is an extremely sensitive issue. My prayers are with you, in faith, God will intervene on this one.
There is a message here… Keep your head up. For God will be glorified in all this, you can be certain of that.
God Bless you.
We are standing with you, Chuck and Stephanie.
God is allowing a hardening to occur in our western culture. No longer is Western equated with Christian. It hasn’t been that way for a long time, though our laws still reflect the times they were made in, being largely judeo-christian in character.
But I think it is going to be more and more uncomfortable for Christians to practice their faith in the west. This may be a prelude to revival, or the return of our Lord.
This is ridiculous. I’m sure they’re not shutting down any other meetings, just quietly beginning to persecute the truth from inside the free country. Keep up the good work!
Is this a San Juan Capistrano thing? A California thing? or broader than that? This is an incredible story. I am praying for you…
Greater is He who is in you, Chuck & Stephanie, than he who is in the world.
God bless you and your family as you fight to be obedient to God’s word. Thank you for serving HIM and know that you have brothers & sisters in Christ praying for you, even though we have never met you!
Here is news article from our issue of being able to gather in May 2006.
http://www.roanoke.com/news/roanoke/wb/xp-64884
In Nicaragua, the Sandinistas are in power; they post banners along the main avenues with Daniel Ortega’s photograph on them, proclaiming: “NICARGUA -CHRISTIAN, SOCIALIST, IN SOLIDARITY.” We have it easy here on the “mission field!”
We will pray for you. The Lord spared Daniel in the lion’s den. It didn’t go so well for those who accused him.
Regular meetings of more than three require a CUP???? How about regular family gatherings? Sunday meals? Or just regular RELIGIOUS meetings? Couldn’t you label it a POT LUCK?
Keep right on meeting. Even if you end up in jail. There are millions of Christians behind you and if you need legal help look to one of many Christian defense teams to help you. If you need financial help, put out a plea to your brothers and sisters in Christ. We are praying for you in Tarpon Springs Fl. God Bless!!!!
So, how much is the permit that would make it legal for them to meet?
I doubt this would be an issue if it were a Bible Study with 8 – 10 people. The story says that between 20 to 50 people attend regularly. Maybe THIS location has plenty of parking and maybe they don’t create a noise problem, but the city has to be consistent with their interpretation of the laws. If the city ignored this case they would have trouble enforcing it for anyone.
A permit says that the city has reviewed the specifics of this particular gathering and has approved. Why not follow the law and get a permit? Wouldn’t that be a “Christian” thing to do?
I am horrified that this is happening to anyone and more so, because it is happening in San Juan Capistrano where I live. My prayers are with you and I am ready to support your rights wherever that may be needed. God bless.
Praying for and standing w/you Chuck and Stephanie……only by the Grace and protection of God Almighty will America not go the way of so many other countries and become unrecognizable.
You know this is EXACTLY the type of B—S— that caused us to move our family out of the republic of Kalifornia 15 years ago.
I guess the illustrious police dept has a problem with the even larger gathering of people on Thanksgiving. Maybe the 4th of July. Oh, I know. They can round up all the rabble rousers on Christmas eve. Heck, there are a lot of unauthorized meetings that night. People taking up too much parking space on the streets. Causing noise until late hours and as a bonus, these Capistrano Nazis can get us all on a religious violation. Because that’s what this really all about.
From what I have studied, and I love Beth Moore Bible Study, the Bible states that if you are becoming closer to God Satan will and does attack you in order to stop you from knowing the “truth”. So with this knowledge, you must be doing the right thing and making Satan very uncomfortable. So keep up the good work,, and pray, pray, pray. If God is for you, who can stand against you.
Check out :
Thomas More Law Center
24 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive P.O. Box 393 Ann Arbor, MI 48106
Ph. (734) 827-2001 Fax (734) 930-7160
They fight on behalf of Christians when in situations like these. Their funding is through supporters like myself and others who believe that we must fight to keep our religious freedoms in place — as our forefathers and God intended.
My wife and I had this exact case happen to us in Texas 35 years ago except
it was a zoneing ordinance and only one neighbor within 3 blocks that caused
us to have to go to court. One Sister that was to testify had the opportunity to
give the complete plan of salvation to the catching away of the Church by
Christ Jesus. Just remember Dear Saints, we have the same Devil today as we
had 35 years ago just working in a different area with the same devices. We
are praying for your cause to be quickly resolved.
You are not alone – God is and will always be! Praying for you all from Columbus, Ohio. Raise your voice and proclaim God; this is turning into an opportunity to be a witness for Christ to many! We are ushering in a new era and a new generation of Christ believers! Let us plant furnaces as seeds and let the hearts burn for our Savior!
“Ministry is much more than a mere career choice. It is enlisting in a battle and giving headaches to hell.” – Dave Earley
Never give up nor give in! Love you all!
AMEN…. and its HIS work .. we need HIS words
yep… it is one anonymous complainer against us as well.. when people ask about traffic I remind them..
1. we live in a semi rural neighbord with street parking for up to 70 cars… we only need room for 10 Our Thursday study has 12 to 15 people
2. Our larger sunday group meets in our HOA community clubhouse which has a parking lot for 40 cars and fire capacity of 120. That is where we have weekly studies of 50 to 60. The city is saying we can have our study but need a CUP permit for that as well.
chuck
Thanks for the contact Sandy. Would like to know if they have had similar cases.. Will pass on to Pacific Justice institute… IMPORTANT THAT WE CONNECT, COLLABORATE AND WORK CREATIVELY TOGETHER TO CIRCULATE HELP…… that is what we are trying to do here…
contact Nicole Fromm at nicole@wlmag.com
blessings,
chuck
Omar Sandoval (from SJC) is Reason.TV’s Nanny of the Month…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgE7BxY2DxQ
Hang in there Fromm family!
Praying for you & your community to GOD in Jesus’ name. Also praying against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. How do people in your community regularly meet every year during holidays and birthdays without breaking the law? Does the law recognize family gatherings? After all, we as Christ followers have a multitude of brothers and sisters in the Lord. You cannot stand up for GOD and HE will let you down. That’s not HIS style. I know our Father is going to release HIS power and Spirit in a mighty way in your situation. HE is going to Love somebody into doing the right thing and HE will be Glorified in it! Be encouraged and know HE is there with you now.
Your sister in CHRIST!
Brenda http://twitter.com/#!/ZERUBBABEL2
You know, I think if anything this is an eye opener to something we’ve always expected to happen soon or later. Truth is, its going to get alot worse, but we have to be prepared as followers of Christ. We must remain strong in his Grace understanding that we are going to face persecution and afflictions just because we follow Christ. I pray that you all remain strong in your faith, and I pray you all continue to grow in the Lords grace. God bless.