Statement on the Disruption of Worship at Cities Church, St. Paul, Minnesota

The Church For Life, Inc. issues the following legal tone statement regarding the unlawful disruption that occurred inside the sanctuary of Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. During an active worship service, protestors entered the sanctuary without authorization and interfered with the congregation's ability to pray, worship, and exercise their religious beliefs freely and without intimidation.
This conduct raises serious concerns under federal and state civil rights laws designed to protect religious exercise and the integrity of houses of worship. The actions taken inside the sanctuary may constitute violations of:
• 18 U.S.C. § 247 - Damage to Religious Property; Obstruction of Persons in the Free Exercise of Religious Beliefs, which prohibits intentionally obstructing individuals in the free exercise of religion through force, threats, or intentional interference.
• 42 U.S.C. § 1983 - Civil Action for Deprivation of Rights, which provides remedies when individuals acting under color of law or in concert with others interfere with constitutional rights, including the First Amendment right to free exercise of religion.
• The First Amendment of the United States Constitution, which guarantees the right of individuals to worship freely without disruption, intimidation, or coercion.
• Minnesota Statutes protecting religious assemblies, including laws prohibiting intentional disturbance of religious meetings and interference with lawful assemblies.
A sanctuary is a legally protected space. It is a place where individuals gather for prayer, reflection, and spiritual devotion. Entering such a space with the intent to disrupt a worship service is not protected expression; it is an unlawful interference with constitutionally guaranteed religious liberty.
While the Pastor's public role as Acting ICE Office Director may have drawn attention to the congregation, no political disagreement or public controversy grants any individual or group the right to violate the civil rights of worshippers or to intrude upon a religious service.
The Church For Life, Inc. affirms the right of all people-regardless of faith tradition-to worship without fear, intimidation, or disruption. We call for a full review of the incident by the appropriate authorities and for accountability under the civil rights statutes designed to protect religious communities from unlawful interference.
We stand firmly with the congregation of Cities Church and with every community of faith whose right to worship must be safeguarded under the law.
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- The Church For Life, Inc.
- 8403 Pines Blvd #1313 Pembroke Pines, FL 33024-6609
- Info@TheChurchForLife.org/762-273-LIFE (5433)
- Pastor David

The Church For Life, Inc. is a non denominational Christian ministry proclaiming God's Word, nurturing spiritual growth, creating worship music, and leading people to a Christ centered life of hope, purpose, and faith through Jesus Christ.

This release was published on openPR.