February 10, 2012 by Karla Dial Approximately 60 churches across New York City will meet in public schools for the last time this Sunday — and afterward, many aren’t sure yet exactly where they’re going to be.
After the U.S Supreme Court refused to take the case of a Bronx church meeting in a public school, the city’s Education Department gave churches a Feb. 12 eviction notice. Though two bills were introduced in the New York Legislature to allow churches to meet in public schools — and the Senate bill passed 54-7 on Monday — time ran out on the legislative session before the General Assembly could act as well.
The affected churches serve primarily poor and ethnic neighborhoods in the city, and can’t afford their own dedicated buildings.
“The church is community, and they’re taking and breaking that up,” said Rick Del Rio, pastor of Abounding Grace Ministries, which has been meeting in Public School 34 for the last three years.
The city’s policy sparked a wave of protests throughout January, with pastors, city councilmen and concerned citizens alike urging the mayor and education chancellor to reverse the policy.
"I" chant (pray) that none of these closings are due to them having to pay fines for scandals...
Because, if not then they will be able to make a community come back along with the community as they always have so they always shall survive. (smile)
Thursday, April 10th 2014 at 6:47PM
ROBINSON IRMA
