San Diego County officials agreed Wednesday to rescind a cease-and-desist order issued to a pastor holding a small Bible study in his home. In a letter to the pastor, the county’s chief administrative officer apologized for the incident involving a code enforcement officer who issued the order after reportedly asking the pastor’s wife inappropriately probing questions about the study.
The letter informed Pastor David Jones and his legal counsel Dean Broyles, president of the Western Center for Law & Policy, an Alliance Defense Fund allied organization, that the order was wrongfully issued and the county would conduct a thorough review of its assembly ordinances and code enforcement officer training.
“Christians should not be punished simply for holding a Bible study in their home, so we are very encouraged by the county’s response and their commitment to immediate corrective action,” said Broyles. “We look forward to working with the county to ensure the clarification of its ordinances and training of its personnel are implemented promptly and efficiently so all citizens of San Diego can be assured their constitutional rights are protected, whether they’re holding Bible studies or hosting Boy Scout meetings.”
