Letter: Churches do not deserve any special treatment

Wednesday, June 28, 2000 | 9:38 a.m.

Two years ago the church next door to us burned down. In its place the pastor elected to install a tent, which he fully intended to keep as a permanent replacement. He did this without getting any building permits. He received several warnings for illegal use of electricity (he tapped into the house the church owns next door to the tent) and for disturbing the peace with his amplified music (the tent was not soundproof). He also chose to ignore the warnings, just like the rabbi, and so he was cited and had to go before a judge. Evidently they both felt they were above the law.

No man is entitled to unlimited freedom no matter who he is. A person is free to worship in any manner he chooses but not if it infringes on the quality of life of another person. If what he is doing disturbs another, then he must modify his method of worship or move to a place that offers the surroundings he requires. One person's individual rights stop where another person's rights begin.

This problem probably exists elsewhere in our community and it is a problem that needs to be resolved to the satisfaction of ALL parties involved. The rights of the First Amendment need to be applied equally.

JAN HURD