‘Notoriously Persecuted’: Hundreds of Christians March Across Brooklyn Bridge to Protest NYC Church Ban
- Posted on January 30, 2012 at 7:44pm by
Billy Hallowell
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Christians aren‘t taking New York City’s ban on churches meeting in public schools lightly. On Sunday, hundreds of religious leaders, politicians and individuals who stand firmly opposed to the now-infamous church crackdown joined together to march across the Brooklyn Bridge.
This was the largest show of support against the law that will take effect unless Mayor Michael Bloomberg or state officials intervene before Feb. 12. If the regulation isn’t overturned, at least 60 churches will be homeless as of next month. A previous protest earlier in January on the steps of Manhattan’s Tweed Courthouse featured strong-worded rhetoric. In previous events held against the ban, pastors were arrested.
As they marched across the bridge in their latest attempt to see the law banished, the group chanted, “Freedom to worship, that’s what we want!” CBS News has more regarding what participants and speakers had to say at the event:
“We are here to tell Mayor Bloomberg, I mean we are going to have 60 churches homeless and that’s not Christ-like,” said Bronx Pastor Sal Sabino of the Heavenly Region Christian Center.
“The church has been notoriously persecuted since its inception so I’m not surprised but we’re not going to stay quiet we’re going to speak out and say this is what the foundation of America is built upon,” said Roseann Kytka of Ascencion Presbyterian Church, which meets at P.S. 101 in Forest Hills.
Watch more footage from the march, courtesy of WNYW-TV, below:
As we’ve reported, Bronx Councilman and pastor Fernando Cabrera has some legislative plans up his sleeve. The councilman is leading the charge to champion Resolution #1155, which would call upon the New York State legislature to pass legislation what would amend education law to allow churches access to school property. In the New York Assembly, the related bill is #A8800 and in the State Senate it is #S6047.
The timing of the march was important, as the state may take up the issue this week. There were no arrests during the match.
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Comments (171)
momprayn
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 8:30pmBloomberg seems to be taking orders from the WH regime in doing whatever they want to promote their takeover & to bother Christians whenever they can – either promising him some cushy job or threatening him. Oh well…I‘m sure there’re those all over the nation. I know Muslims go to their mosques but I wonder if they were Muslims using them for their little get togethers (probably preaching sedition). Then that would a whole different story – welcomed with open arms.
There are different solutions – you don’t have to be in a certain type of building – any sheltered place when needed. The early church met in each others homes. But it‘s a matter of principle and we know why they’re doing it. I don’t understand how they banned this in the first place — this has nothing to do with “separation of church and state”. If that’s the reason they used, that can be proven false and there are Christian lawyers who take these cases on and win.
Report Post »I also don’t understand their chant about “freedom to worship” – they’re not being banned from worshiping — it’s just the “where”.
jzs
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 9:13pmmomprayn hit the nail on the head! New Yorkers, and other true Americans are not going to stand by idly while the New York taxpayers foot the bill for Muslims to make public schools, publicly owned property, into Mosques. Who knows what those foreigners, even if they have been American citizens for generations, are teaching there?
Those 20 or even 30 protesters you see on the bridge are probably OWS protesters who are now trying to throw the support of the Communist party behind the surge in Muslims using our public schools to preach their religion.
WE WILL NOT LET THAT STAND! I personally am throwing my influence behind a new Amendment to the Constitution of the United States that prohibits a State supported religion – and by “State supported” I mean the Obama administration of course, because he’s a self-admitted Muslim born in Kenya. No more Muslim religion supported by our tax payer dollars in our public schools!!!
Report Post »dfree
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 9:38pmjzs…………your an idiot, thats all i have to say.
Report Post »restorehope
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 9:49pmSchools rent their rooms to all kinds of groups…..including Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, etc. Banning churches from using their facilities is discriminatory. Oops, doesn’t that make it politically incorrect as well? (You know how progressives like to use the word ‘discriminate’, right?)
Report Post »Knight Templar
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 11:24pmjzs = twit
Report Post »midwesthippie
Posted on January 31, 2012 at 12:36amjews…catholics…christians…islam…this is becoming a “religion-first” website. glenn used to be funny and insightful…might as well subscribe to billy graham.com…if you want to laugh and listen to a real American without an agenda, check out adam corolla…his only agenda is to make you laugh. glenny??? i dunno’
Report Post »decendentof56
Posted on January 31, 2012 at 6:35am@Momprayn…”this has nothing to do with “separation of church and state”.
Mom…there is no “separation of church and state” in our Constitution. OK?
Amend 1- “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..”
The words “separation of church and state” were included in a letter by Jefferson when he was in France. He was saying he was glad the issue of ‘the state’ not being allowed to establish a religion was addressed.
I comment on this because so many think they are the exact words written in the first amend.
In a perfect world, I’d say let a congregation (for a limited time) assemble in a school auditorium for Sunday worship. The reality is that certain groups (some with radical, anti-American agenda’s) would take advantage of this ability to assemble to demoralize Americans. When I say demoralize, I mean it does have a psycological effect when you allow those to use our very laws against us to promote their agenda.
Report Post »Example:
Muslims used the “or prohibiting the free exercise thereof” part of the first amendment to place their mosque near the site of the most important victory over the US, the World Trade Center.
So…….. for that reason, I’d say no church should be allowed in a school. You have to look at the bigger picture.
I support God's Israel!
Posted on January 31, 2012 at 11:05amJZS…………are you EVEN an American? DO YOU EVEN BELIEVE IN OUR CONSTITUTION?
Report Post »JZS…………Obama admits to whoever is standing in front of him, whether it be Muslim, Christian, or atheist…..whoever pays him the most $$ towards his campaign.
JZS………….just shutup until you know what you are talking about.
Zenzazin
Posted on January 31, 2012 at 1:11pm@jzs – “…New Yorkers, and other true Americans are not going to stand by idly while the New York taxpayers foot the bill for Muslims to make public schools, publicly owned property, into Mosques.”
-Where exactly are the instances of tax payers footing the bill for the building of mosques?
“Who knows what those foreigners, even if they have been American citizens for generations, are teaching there?”
- By this definition, YOU would be a foreigner too, unless you happen to be 100% native American. You sound incredibly xenophobic when you make statements like this.
“…by “State supported” I mean the Obama administration of course, because he’s a self-admitted Muslim born in Kenya. No more Muslim religion supported by our tax payer dollars in our public schools!!!”
Report Post »- Do you just choose to ignore facts? Obama is not a Muslim. He was not born in Kenya. None of tax dollars are going to promote Islam in our public schools. If I am wrong, please show me some actual evidence instead of jumping straight to the insults. Saying things like this merely reinforce that study connecting low IQ to prejudice and bigotry.
jzs
Posted on January 31, 2012 at 1:15pmI support God’s Israel! says, “Obama admits to whoever is standing in front of him.” Israel, what does that mean that he “admits” to whomever is standing in front of him. Admits what?
What part of the Constitution do you think I don’t understand?
You say I should, “shutup until you know what you are talking about.” What are you talking about? On what subject?
Relax Israel. Tell me what’s bugging you. You really need to express yourself more clearly.
Report Post »kegbuna
Posted on January 31, 2012 at 1:42pmHuh? Churches meeting in public schools means possibly subjecting children to a particular church’s views. Maybe they should allow mosques to congregate in schools as well
Report Post »cessna152
Posted on January 31, 2012 at 3:13pmThese Churches are RENTING the buildings. Paying for rent just like any other group does. Why are Churches being singled out? They (government) are trying to cause a revolution so they can re-write history showing that Christians are blood thirsty hypocrites.
Governments have killed more people (over 250 MILLION) in less than 100 years. These people are dangerous and they know time is running out. I expect by late summer they will make their move. Be ready, be vigilant and be prayerful in everything you do.
Report Post »gemmeri
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 8:26pmNot Christ-like? Do they not remember the Sermon on the Mount? I would have to point out that their conduct is most decidedly un-Christ like. As much as I think the schools are wrong on this issue & it‘s a damn shame people can’t get along at a time like this, the churches did this to themselves. This is not just an overnight thing. Secularism breeds separatism. The schools have the right to kick them out, especially after what happened with that twit & the so-called prayer mural. They can’t afford any more litigation over religious issues & that is not their primary purpose in our society. Find another home for your churches. God is telling you to move on to something different. Get a clue. Do unto others as you would have done… You have all lost your way on this one. Practice what you preach or no one will take you seriously.
Report Post »florida123
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 9:10pmI see so the church cannot rent the space in the schools because………………….Your logic is pathetic and you are exactly what is wrong with this country! WE THE PEOPLE……..
Report Post »lothlorien
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 10:31pmAs for finding another place…ahem, I think Zucotti Park might be available. I expect the businesses in the area would welcome some CLEAN, POLITE people in the park.
Report Post »avgconservative
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 11:37pmI just love it when people who know nothing about the Bible, whack well-meaning Christians over the head with the Bible.
I just love it when people who never quote the Bible, except to degrade its meanings and manipulate it for personal gain, quote the Bible.
http://FlipTheLib.com
Report Post »PKama
Posted on January 31, 2012 at 4:03am@ GEMMERI..
Report Post »I think I can hear your mother calling you. Must be time for your bath. Go home to mommies basement and take your monthly shower and shave before the OWS recruiters need you again.
kegbuna
Posted on January 31, 2012 at 1:45pmYou are being logical but sometimes the crowd can get a bit adversarial here. The first respondent called your logic “pathetic” without even attempting to analyze it, and then claims that it is what is wrong with America…
Report Post »neverending
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 8:25pmLong overdue for us to step up to the plate and be heard while we still have any chance left. On top of everything else from the most corrupt administration we have ever known we can also put totally Godless at the very top.
Report Post »Bluebonnet
Posted on January 31, 2012 at 10:17amThese Anti-Christ types are doing everything they can to control our beliefs. They’re coming after us little by little. At first it’s our love of Country and Constitution, then it’s prayer at ball games, then it’s pledging to our Flag, then it’s taking away worship places, then it’s………….
Report Post »No wonder our children have no belief in Jesus and losing their souls. But, God forbid, we take anything away from the comforts of the Muslims in this Country. Jesus is Watching all this folks.
qpwillie
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 8:24pmFoxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests but………………….
Report Post »ShyMan
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 8:23pmCareful what you wish for.
If the city gives in it won’t be long before they require the churches to let every pervert in the neighborhood be a member in good standing.
Great. Now I’m thinking like a progressive.
Report Post »restorehope
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 9:44pmShyman, we will be sure to pray for you. :)
Report Post »pooka_yc
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 8:22pmIt’s good to see that there are still some brave souls standing up in NYC. God bless you all! You are fighting on the front lines of the culture war and I, for one, am proud of you.
Report Post »IIIcorp
Posted on January 31, 2012 at 1:37pmYes, but where are the Rev. Jesse and Al? This should help them get their pictures on the news actually doing something… Oh I forgot, no money involved.
Report Post »koyettsu
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 8:17pmHere is the thing, New York has ever right to do this, I don’t agree with it nor do I think they should ever do this but they do have the right as a state to make that decision. If it were me I would simply move out of it, to hell with New York it is infested with disease and dying from the inside out. Have all the good hard working Christians move to Wisconsin, we will accept you with open arms.
Report Post »florida123
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 9:12pmHow does any tax paying American think that NYC has the right to do this? Im sorry but its ridiculous, if the church cant rent the buildings neither can anyone else. This is America, same rules for every group, plain and simple.
Report Post »Redistributor
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 8:14pmwtf does it mean for a church to be homeless
Report Post »whatthecrazy
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 8:19pmI dont think they have a building to attend so they use or rent space in schools when they are not in session to have their Church services…..I think
Report Post »kickagrandma
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 8:21pmThe church doesn’t have its own building, I guess. Many churches now meet in homes. It’s how they first started. Maybe we’re going back to our roots?
GOD BLESS AMERICA, RESTORE HER TO HIMSELF, HEAL HER IN HIS NAME and HIS NAME ONLY, IN JESUS’ MIGHTY AND POWER-FILLED NAME, amen.
Report Post »BJC
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 8:10pmI say, grab you a few tents, chairs, and don’t forget the drums and occupy the parks. It seems to work for the leeches it may work for you.
Report Post »Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 8:50pmOf course it will work, and I bet the left will be sympathetic and call you “Heroes”. But just in case, bring Gas Masks, plenty of Chem Neutralizer, and bags of feces. Then you would be “Legit” in their eyes. But don’t you dare mention “God”, or the wrath of their god “The One” will come down on you.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on January 31, 2012 at 8:49amExcellent point. NYC better not charge them a penny for it either. Plus the parks will be cleaner than when they got there.
Report Post »tired_of_it2011
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 8:07pmThere’s 40,000 different Protestant denominations for people to choose from in this country alone. That means 40,000 different choices….pick one that isn’t in a government building. Surely, with 40,000 choices, some church somewhere will match their beliefs.
Report Post »Gazelem
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 8:40pmCongress used to hold different Sunday services all day, every Sunday, in the Capitol building. Public buildings are public and should be open to religious groups. What’s next no crosses, or religious symbols on student’s clothing in those “govt. buildings”. Will religious people be banned from public parks, streets, etc, etc. This is blatant, irrational, unwarranted, persecution and should not be tolerated.
Report Post »Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 9:37pmUnless you are Branch Davidians, then you will be burned alive.
Report Post »NYHuguenot
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 11:42pmThere are no more than 12 denominations. A Baptist is a Baptist no matter what church. A presbyterian/Reformed is the same no matter where they are. Same with Methodists, Episcopalinas and others.
Report Post »From Virginia
Posted on January 31, 2012 at 7:48pmMy childhood church (Baptist) met in my elementary school cafeteria/auditorium for a couple years while they purchased land and built a church. We even had our Christmas and Easter pageants there in the evening. That was in California and it was no big deal at all.
Report Post »Kiba
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 8:06pmIm getting to the point that I beginning to think that anyone that lives in N.Y.C. is a complete fool, and deserves what they get.
Report Post »BobtheMoron
Posted on January 31, 2012 at 11:45amYep!
Report Post »merchantsailor
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 8:04pmIt’s simple. Just look at the cast of characters. You have government and liberals behind the attacks … almost exclusively. And why? Simple: Because it’s government we’re supposed to worship, not God. It’s government we’re supposed to look to for support in rough times, not our church. It’s government we’re supposed to look to for comfort, not our faith. In fact .. our faith is supposed to be in government, and government doesn’t like competition.
Report Post »MCDAVE
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 8:15pmChuches and christians may well save our country simply by voting against Obama and his god hating followers…
Report Post »whatthecrazy
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 8:16pmYes and the government should know that God doesnt like competition either,and they will deserve what they get when the time comes.
Report Post »Keen-Site
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 8:04pmIt’s called a PUBLIC school for a reason, many different people go there with different back grounds on religion, i don’t think Churches should be banded from having services in public schools, but the school has to decide if they want to let them instead of the government banning it. P.S. I’m not even close to being christian, but i respect all religions, as long as Christians and other religions don’t force their beliefs down peoples throats and let them make up their own mind about god im fine with this.
Report Post »lodgerat
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 8:07pmGod, big “G”
Report Post »Chad
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 8:13pmBut it’s fine that Evolution (Evil’s Solution) is shoved down our kids throats. Makes perfect sense. Monkeys actually know how to take care of THEIR kids, how have WE evolved again?
Report Post »smartgirl
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 8:03pmThe ban on churches renting space in schools is obscene. Bloomberg is the worst thing to happen to NYC since David Dinkins. And to think they gave him a third term. I hope the churches prevail and my prayers are with them. Most of the ills we’re facing right now – and especially the OWS movement – could be solved by teaching the ten commandments.
Report Post »MCDAVE
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 8:25pmThe socialists are making a bad mistake attacking Christians, this can only help our conservative cause…more and more people can see the truth…
Report Post »crazyloon
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 9:07pmIt’s now time for the silent to speak. This government is about to find out that this IS a Christian country and he’s going to hear about it. Every Christian in this country needs to stand up NOW! That means send a letter to your congressman and your senators NOW! The time has come and WE have to show this government who the boss really is.
Report Post »godlovinmom
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 8:03pmBig difference between these protestors and ows protestors…wouldn’t you say!
Report Post »lodgerat
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 8:00pmThe commies, marxist and progressives need to kill God for their idiotic plan take over of America to work. Pure evil..the good thing is they can’t defeat God. New York must really be a dung hole. Glad I live in a flyover state.
Report Post »CoMa
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 7:59pmI’m agnostic, but have no problem with churches using public buildings [schools] for weekend worship. Chistians are under serious attack from every direction these days – especially from the white house – and I stand and support you cause who knows what they’re coming for next!! Fight with everything you have!
Report Post »MS Patriot
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 8:20pmThe progressive socialist talk a good game. First the Christians, then the Jews, then the homosexuals and pedophiles, the Muslims, the poor who live on the street and then on to people of color.
They use all other groups to help to defeat the prior until all that is left is the whitest of the white.
Report Post »onemansthoughts
Posted on January 31, 2012 at 12:40amComa, We need more people like you….very well put. I am a believer and though your not, hopefuly one day you will see the light…God bless you
Report Post »jhl1769
Posted on January 31, 2012 at 10:42amI‘m agnostic as well and I think it’s hilarious that atheists think that they are being any more logical or rational than a religious person. Empirical data does not support the idea that there is no greater being any better than it supports that there is. Stop banging on religious people and leave them alone!
Report Post »sndrman
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 7:59pmremember how bloomberg was practically crying when after sept 11 that rudy g. should go after 2 terms as was the law at the time but how long has bloomberg been there now?going on 3rd term. it’s funny how liberals cry,belly ache run to the courts to depose (R) while they bend,change the laws to suit them.and they get away with it because we let them.
Report Post »Patrick Henry II
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 7:56pmPeople, people are easy to defeat. But, once they have faith now that’s a problem.
Report Post »I heard that on Pale Rider.
LeadNotFollow
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 7:54pm…
Report Post »Christians unite, good for you.
Onward Christian Soldiers.
kickagrandma
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 8:23pmIndeed! Blessings all around, over, behind, above and under the CHRISTIANS standing up. This IS THE LORD’S BATTLE AND HE WILL WIN IT.
Come be on the winning team, GOD’s team. It’s forever!
Report Post »Acesup
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 7:54pmYikes! They pay rent to use public school space on Sunday when school is not in session and that is banned. I mean so long as they let other folks pay rent and have access on Sat. or Sunday, this is absurd. Just keep on crushing religion in America. GO PROGRESSIVES!!!!
Report Post »symphonic
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 7:53pmThere is NO GOOD REASON that government property can’t be rented to religious institutions during off school hours. NO LOGICAL REASON. Its just persecution and a huge waste of tax dollars that could be returned to the people. What a bunch of fools in New York, making the people pay more taxes when they could save some.
HALF of the taxes go to schools. This would be a significant way to maximize our dollars. Those people in power should read the 1st Amendment and understand that they should NOT infringe on the free exercise of religion. They should understand that in the Constitution there is nothing that says a school building should be “separated” from a church congregation. What nonsense!
Report Post »TXPilot
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 7:52pmThis is just the beginning. Today they are banning us from public buildings and implementing discriminatory laws, tomorrow they will be attempting to round us all up and send us to “re-education camps”…..there will either be a war soon, to take back this country, from the evil, Godless traitors that are in charge, or we and our Republic are well and truly doomed.
Report Post »kentuckypatriot
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 8:05pmCount me in TX… we are armed and ready for anything.
Report Post »Countryjustice
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 8:29pmThere are alot more people preparing for the war than these pathetic libs realize!! I just hope there are enough brave God fearing patriots to stand up and resist peacefully, before it comes to that.
Report Post »MCDAVE
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 8:31pmThey are going to loose…Keep the faith
Report Post »I.Gaspar
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 7:51pmSimple solution:
Report Post »Tell Mayor Gloomberg that you are mosque and not a Christian church.
The Welcome Wagon rolls out and you might just get free rent.
lodgerat
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 8:02pmAin’t that the truth..he’s bent over backwards to kiss some bigtime Mooooslim butt.
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on January 30, 2012 at 7:48pmOn ward Christian Soldiers…
Report Post »