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The preach goes on

Members of the Street Church Ministry say they're victims of religious persecution by the city as it attempts to get an injunction barring them from gathering in parks to feed the homeless while exercising their faith.

But now street preacher Art Pawlowski can continue his public ministry for at least another 17 days. A bid by the City of Calgary to get an injunction preventing the gatherings was adjourned yesterday.

Pawlowski and the city have been at odds for some time over his preaching, which sometimes draws crowds of up to 500 of the city's down and out looking for a free meal.

Pawlowski has been given upwards of 50 tickets in recent years, ranging from illegal use of an amplifier to disturbing the peace and holding an illegal gathering. Pawlowski fought each of those in court, arguing the tickets violate his freedom of expression and religion.

Each time the judge declined to rule, instead sending it to a higher court because of the Charter issues involved.

Read the Calgary Sun articles here and here.

Thanks to Religion Clause for the link.

Full post as published by the 13th juror on April 01, 2008 (boomark / email).