Biblical Grounds

Biblical grounds for taking legal action

As Christians, there can be many thoughts that arise when one considers taking legal action. 

Therefore, even though this will not be a comprehensive theological treatise, our desire is to give some biblical underpinning behind Christians taking such an action.

Some Christians immediately have a negative reaction towards taking legal action. Much of this stems from a loving and caring heart, and immediately thinking of Scripture teaching us to not hastily take a brother to court, (I Corinthians 6:1-6) but to try to settle disputes before going to a judge. This would certainly be the position we would take.

Scripture says to make every effort to be at peace with all people (Hebrews 12:14), and so this would always be our first attempt. In fact, six years ago when we obtained our land, we were immediately given the proposal of bringing a lawsuit against the city, due to how many times churches have been blocked or delayed for years, concerning building worship facilities within city limits. We said we would rather go through a long process in building relationship with the City in order to foster good will and long-term partnership. In many ways, this is what happened as we have built numerous strong, healthy relationships with various people working in City jobs. 

However, after numerous meetings with neighbors, local councils, and officials and coming up with plans that the Planning Commission approved unanimously, and the City Staff endorsed, sadly through a series of erroneous facts, faulty conclusions and fierce opposition of a few, we believe we were denied a fair hearing.

In a deeper consideration of Scripture’s teachings, it is clear that Scripture is talking about our dealings with other followers of Christ when it talks about not taking someone to court. 

On the other hand, Jesus actually uses the illustration of a persistent widow, going continually to a judge seeking justice (Luke 18:1-8). From this, we can infer that the Lord does not prohibit us using the legal system. In fact, in Acts 25, we see Paul appeal to the legal system when he was denied his rights as a Roman citizen and unjustly flogged. He actually seeks a ruling from a higher authority over the local authority that mistreated him.

Clearly Scripture holds in balance both justice and mercy. Scripture teaches to hold righteous rulings and forgiveness in balance. 

In the case of The Light Project, we pursued every option. We did not want to have to resort to this action. However, we believe we were treated unfairly, according to the law. We were not given the due process due to every citizen and even worse our religious freedom was infringed upon according to the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act(RLUIPA).

This lawsuit, therefore, is in no way an attempt to bring retribution or revenge, but only appealing to a higher authority asking for liberty and justice to exercise our God-given and constitutional rights. In this case, we are like the persistent widow, continually coming before the judge, asking for fair treatment. Or we are like the Apostle Paul, believing that our rights as citizens have been denied, and so we are appealing to a higher level authority for a righteous judgment.

Also, Biblically, we find that counsel is found in the presence of many advisors (Prov. 11:14). As we have sought the counsel of our Spiritual Advisory Team , (seasoned ministers who are men and women outside of All Peoples Church, who provide a spiritual covering to us) they all were affirming of this action. Also, knowing that All Peoples Church, San Diego is just one church in the larger body of Christ in San Diego, much counsel was also sought with other senior leaders in our city. We believe that blessing is released when we walk in unity with the larger body of Christ (Psalm 133:1). 

Finally, time was spent in prayer with the greater leadership body of All Peoples, San Diego, discussing and praying about entering into this weighty endeavor. It was clear to us that we were in one heart, and not feeling led to abandon this journey we sense God has called us into - to build a church building in our area of the city to bless our church community, our city, generations, and the nations. 

Ultimately, we believe that justice belongs to the Lord (Jeremiah 9:24) and our hope is in him, not a legal process. We take this next step as a step of faith. But ultimately we trust In His grace, protection, and ultimately surrender ourselves to His will.