Bible study leaders Chuck and Stephanie Fromm were fined $300 this month for hosting a Bible study at their home in California. According to the City of San Juan Capistrano, the couple needs a “conditional use permit” for churches to host the study and would face $500 fines for future events.
ABC News interviewed the Bible study leaders about the case. The nonprofit legal defense fund Pacific Justice Institute has appealed the ruling and will represent the Bible study participants.
Here’s more from the Pacific Justice Institute: “The Bible study group, which met on Sunday mornings, until the City threatened further fines, was perfectly suited for his home, said Chuck Fromm. There was no noise beyond normal conversation and quiet music on the home stereo system. They met inside their family room and patio area. Many neighbors have written letters of support, denying they were disturbed by the presence of the Bible study. The group is not affiliated with any particular church, nor is it seeking to establish a church in the home.”