BBB:Home Bible Study Illegal in Atlanta  by Robert McCurry

   Home Bible studies or worship meetings of any kind that include
anyone not residing in the home are illegal in Atlanta, Georgia without
a special government "use permit," according to City Inspector Claude
Watkins, his superior, Chief Building Inspector John Drake and Kathrine
Malicki, Director of Bureau of Buildings.

   "Such activities," Malicki said, "constitute a church, and churches
are not permitted in residential zones without a special use permit,
according to Section 16-9003 of the City Code.

   In order to secure a special use permit an application must be made,
the property must be advertised and public hearings conducted. The
purpose of the restriction, according to Malicki, is "to protect the
property owners." It is interesting, however, that the same code
permits residential property to be used for a "park, playground, golf
course or a community building owned or operated by a government
agency...(and) public schools operated by the Atlanta Board of
Education" without a special use permit.

   Think about that for a moment. Residential areas need protection
from churches, religious worship, and Bible studies, but not from
government owned or operated buildings and play activities!

   Malicki insisted that churches or religious activities are not
prohibited, they must simply be approved by the government. "A (use)
permit is actually a license for a church to exist in a residential
area," she said.

   There is no definition of a "church" in the City Code. When I asked
how they would recognize a church if they found one, Malicki said,
"Everyone knows what a church is. If there are prayers, Bible studies
and singing--we would consider that a church."

   Although technically a violation of the law, I was told that an
"occasional religious meeting," such as a Sunday School class business
meeting, would not be of concern to the city. However, any regularly
scheduled meeting, such as a Thursday night youth Bible study would be
of concern to the city. Should the resident refuse to cease such
activities upon request, they would be issued a summons and required to
appear n court.

   This frightening information recently came to light when the city
served notice on Mrs. Luci Johnson that she was required to have a
permit (license) to continue the weekly Bible and worship meetings she
has had n her home at 926 Pearce Street, S.W. for the past three years.
There are seldom more than three or four people in attendance. She was
reported to the Zoning Department by the Housing Code Department.

   The first violation notice was issued on April 9, 1980. My interview
with city officials was on April 18. No further action has been taken
as of this date. Michael Parham of the Calvary Temple Fellowship is the
attorney for the case.

   Wake up, preachers! Wake up, Christians! Wake up, America!

   From Temple Times 2560 Sylvan Rd. East Point, Georgia 30344


   from Bible Believers' Bulletin, July 1980