(RNS) The leader of a charismatic church in Phoenix was placed on three years of probation Wednesday (June 3) for violating a noise ordinance because his church rang its bells hourly during the day.
Bishop Rick Painter of Cathedral of Christ the King also received a suspended sentence of 10 days in jail and was ordered not to play the electronic chimes more than once on Sunday mornings and once on specific Christian holy days.
“Christians shouldn’t be punished for exercising their faith publicly,” said Erik Stanley, a senior legal counsel with Alliance Defense Fund, which is representing Painter.
“It’s ridiculous to be sentenced to jail and probation for doing what churches have traditionally done throughout history, especially when the sound of the church’s bells did not exceed the noise level that the law allows for ice cream trucks.”
The order from the Phoenix Municipal Court specified that the bells “cannot exceed 2 minutes in duration and must be at a level of 60 decibels as measured from the property line” of the church.
The ADF said the church bells had been registered at a level of 67 decibels and ice cream trucks are permitted to emit up to 70 decibels at a distance of 50 feet.
In a separate matter, San Diego County officials have withdrawn a warning citation issued to a couple who hosted a Bible study in their home.
Pastor David Jones and his wife, Mary, were warned in April that the Bible sessions were an “unlawful use of land” and their activity required a “major use permit.”
The warning was rescinded on Wednesday. The county administrator issued a formal apology and assured the couple and their church that the Bible study can continue without a special permit.