San Diego, Calif., May 30, 2009 / 08:24 am
A California pastor and his wife have claimed that San Diego County officials asked intrusive religious questions and threatened them with fines because of a weekly Bible study in their home. The incident has prompted a national religious freedom organization to reiterate its willingness to assist anyone in a similar situation.
County officials had responded to a complaint about overflow parking by guests at a monthly dinner and Bible study held at the Pastor David Jones’ Bonita, California house for the past five years.
A friend who was visiting a neighbor of the Joneses complained about the parking overflow.
Pastor Jones told KGTV San Diego that a county code enforcement officer had asked his wife Mary for details about the meetings.
"She said, 'Do you say amen?' and my wife said, 'Well, yes,'" Jones said.