Brain Trust - Ken Klukowski

Ken Klukowski serves as the Director of the Center for Religious Liberty for the Family Research Council. Here are the "CliffsNotes" of his interview as today's Brain Trust.

Is it a bad thing to have a Bible study in your house? Is that illegal now?

It isn't supposed to be, but in a California town we have an issue with an ordinance that is targeting religious and non-profit organizations that are attempting to met in residential areas.  

Can they do that?

They aren't supposed to be able to do this.  In theory some ordinances might, legitimately, impact some religious groups, but this case the law is not being applied properly

Did this come about by someone complaining?

We really aren't sure in this CA case.  The records of the case are obscure.  Someone contacted the authorities, but we aren't sure as to the nature of that complaint or contact.

With the increased interest in home churches, what does this type of conflict/issue look like?

While I am not sure of the actual police procedure for this CA town, I do realize that throughout the history of the Christian church small groups meeting in individual homes has been crucial.  

Furthermore, our nation's constitution is there to protect this free assemblage of people.

How is this legal drama playing out?

It has been taken to court, but not yet to the district level. This is, however, a violation of the constitutional "free-exercise" clause.  So it has significance on a federal level.  

This particular ordinance targets the assembly of religious groups in residential zones.

Even if this ordinance didn't target religious groups, the limitations of people to meet freely would appear to be infringement upon the individual's rights.