Weare, New Hampshire, an allegedly Republican and pro-liberty bastion, has been putting a local pastor through the bureaucratic meat grinder for daring to hold religious services in his barn.
The barn is fully renovated. Pastor Howard added pews, a pulpit and a heater to make sure his congregation can worship comfortably. It’s usually no more than 30 people gathered at once. ..
Here’s what’s really outrageous: The Pastor has previously held other gatherings at the property for years—such as weddings, board-game tournaments, local events and even hosted political candidates who wanted to speak to the community.
The town placed no restrictive zoning demands on those meetings. But apparently, it’s a problem now that the gathering is a church.
The town is reported to have insisted they stop holding religious services, demanding site plans, showing up for repeated inspections, and being a general nuisance.
You have to admit, it looks like discrimination, and the town is also alleged to have threatened legal action. Fair enough, First Liberty is suing the town of Weare in the name of Grace New England Church for religious discrimination.
I’m sure the town thinks it has a pressing public interest, and they will get the opportunity to explain in court, as will citizens, to hear an explanation and then consider what, if any, changes need to be made (to any local ordinance or perhaps the constitution of local boards).
We’re not talking about another Pine Tree Riot, but how about, instead of calling it a service, every Sunday morning, you meet for a peaceful protest of the Town of Weare’s war on religious liberty—something like that.
Julie Smith contributed to this article.