Florida pastor sues county over church-building denial

By The Associated Press

06.03.01

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ORLANDO, Fla. — A pastor who was told he could not build a church near a community that is home to spiritualists and psychics sued Volusia County, accusing it of religious discrimination.

The Rev. John Ferro, along with Dunamis Community and Outreach Ministries, filed suit on May 31 in the U.S. District Court in Orlando, Ferro said. The suit argues the county violated the church's constitutional rights to freedom of religion and equal protection.

The suit asks the court to overturn a Planning and Land Development Regulation Commission ruling in February that kept the congregation from building a church in Cassadaga.

The proposed site was near the homes of members of the Southern Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp Meeting Association.

The church appealed but the County Council upheld the decision in a split 4-3 vote in April.

Some spiritualists argued that they would be targets for conversion by church members. About 150 people who live in and near the community signed a petition against the proposed church.

"As far as I know, every religion has the right to share its beliefs," Ferro said. "If you don't want to be bothered, say, 'No, thank you.'"

The Orlando-based Liberty Counsel, a nonprofit group that specializes in religious issues, is representing the church for free, said president Mathew Staver.

County Council Vice Chairwoman Ann McFall, who voted against the church's request, said her decision had nothing to do with religion. Opposition from the community, including both spiritualists and other residents, influenced her vote, she said.