Mega-Headache Church fights town restrictions on services. Sarah Pulliam | posted 1/15/2007 09:23AM
Megachurch and state are colliding in a dispute over a church's expansion plans in a New Jersey suburb. Rockaway Township approved Christ Church's plan to build a new sanctuary, but attached 45 conditions in its October decision. The church may not hold Friday or Sunday night services and can build only 900 parking spaces—not the 1,370 requested. The town also required a two-hour break between services at the 58-acre facility. Bible studies may only be held on Wednesdays. Related articles and links
The 5,000-member, nondenominational church formally opposed the restrictions in an October letter to the planning board.
"We look at that as a way to go through the back door to limit our sanctuary," Christ Church pastor David Ireland told CT. "No other church or religious institution has any of these restrictions, so that's where it becomes an issue of bias."
The township's planning board scheduled a January 8 meeting to review the church's requests. The church plans to sue if the board does not make the requested changes.
"We've tried our best to balance the interests of the town also, and to mitigate the strain that it's going to create on the township," mayor Louis Sceusi told RNS.
Charles Haynes, senior scholar at the First Amendment Center, said such restrictions usually stem from concerns about traffic congestion and lost tax revenues.
"You can't go anywhere and not run into zoning fights, land fights," Haynes said. "Growth in these large megachurches has triggered a lot of these battles."
Due to the 2000 Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, governments must show compelling reasons for restrictions.
"They have to show that their interests trump religious freedom, and that's hard," Haynes said. "The trend is victory [for religious groups] in the courts, but it's a very expensive and difficult process."
Christ Church's website describes its plans for the new expansion.
The process continues, as Rockaway Township reconsiders Christ Church's environmental impact.
The Wall Street Journal has an article on megachurches.
The New York Times described the church's situation after it filed suit in 2005.
[Reader Reviews] Average User Rating:
Fortune Posted: January 15, 2007 Perhaps the town should consider what Christ Church has to offer to the community. In addition to a multi-cultural church, it looks like there will be events open to the entiure community. Isn't it worthwhile to have somewhere for your children and teens to enjoy safe and decent activities. Also, aren't there any restaurants that would benefit from serving hungry worshippers after service? Your picket signs might better serve as protests against strip clubs and liquor stores.
A resident Posted: January 15, 2007 What a shame that Rev Ireland has no concern for the residents of the township that he wants to make his home in. What a traffic nightmare this will be.
K. Lee Posted: January 15, 2007 has anyone thouht that a time of prayer & fasitng might be at hand? What if instead of suing (hello?) that you hear what God might be trying to say to this church body. God has a reason why this is happening. What is HE saying to you church? The word has gone forth from more than one prophetic voice that this is a year of great things & a year of rest. Rest in HIM & watch what HE will do in this situation.
I have posted a responce, however space is limited to a small paragraph. I would encourage you all to write responces and include FACTS about why it is being opposed. They want to wave the religion flag and claim we are against them for their view, which we all know is not the truth. They need to understand the impact to the community and that we have valid concerns, it may help some look at this matter more objectively.
Lisa
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The truth wins out over slick PR and personal attacks.
The Christ Church Plan for the redevelopment of 140 Green Pond Rd is just too big for the area.
