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‘House Where Jesus Shines’ Hearing Reset For September
A local church that filed a federal lawsuit more than a year ago against one Central Texas city had its day in court Thursday; after discussion on several issues, the hearing was postponed for September. Reporter: Micah WilliamsEmail Address: news@kwtx.com |
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13 Comments 
WACO (June 25, 2009)-A local church that filed a federal lawsuit more than a year ago against one Central Texas city had its day in court Thursday; after discussion on several issues, the hearing was postponed for September.
While details of the hearing weren’t immediately available Thursday morning, U.S. District Clerk Cheryl Wills told News 10 a second hearing was tentatively scheduled Sept. 14.
Church of the Open Door Pastor Ronnie Holmes said he was looking forward to the trial and wanted to resolve the issue quickly, with little drama.
Bellmead Interim City Manager James Karl was not available for comment Thursday morning.
The House Where Jesus Shines, Inc. vs. The City of Bellmead
The lawsuit was filed in late April of 2008 by the Church of the Open Door against the City of Bellmead following a breakdown in negotiations on whether the church could operate a facility to house ex-convicts inside the city limits.
The church, which currently operates its facility, The House Where Jesus Shines, in McLennan County near Gholson, was attempting to retool an abandoned 70-bed nursing home.
Residents in the surrounding neighborhood however had their objections.
“I'm not for sure what [they’re] doing is bad. It might be good but it don't need to be in the residential area” Bellmead resident Larry Wollard told News 10 in January 2008.
The city responded by creating an ordinance restricting what types of facilities could operate within the city limits.
Citing the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000, Holmes says the city’s ordinance discriminated against the church and its outreach program.
State Supreme Court Decision a Factor
The Texas Supreme Court decided last week that a South Texas town violated legal protections against government limits on religious practice when it shut down two religious halfway houses for parolees.
The ruling focused on the dispute involving the city of Sinton, near Corpus Christi.
That decision could have an effect on the outcome of the lawsuit filed by the Church of The Open Door.
Latest Comments
I've been there 13 days and they haven't taken,only given and nourishment.People residing here are really trying to deal with their issues.
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My understanding is that when a con enters HWJS he has to have a job and give them his paycheck. If he makes it thourgh the program then he gets his money back at the end minus a small amount for room and board. On the other hand if he gets kicked out then he looses all the money he has made, and the church gets to keep it while he goes back to prison. I have been told that more people get kicked out, for silly little things, than actually mkae it through. Sounds like HWJS is taking advantage of these guys. I for one would like to know if that is true, and if anyone has any proof of it. I also know for a fact that the city of Bellmead offered to give HWJS 100 acres of free land to build outside the city limits. HWJS stated they didnt want the land because it had a landfil underneath, but that was not true. The land fill was only under 25 of the 100 acres, and the HWJS was going to take it until they found out another church had won a lawsuit.
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To glass house: I have seen you constantly stalk out "Rasco's" post on various sites like this, and harp on him on this very issue. I suggest you let go of whatever grudge you're holding onto. How about you get a life and quit stalking him. Bless your heart! Matthew 7:5 "Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye." God Bless and you have a nice day.
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