Christian factions battle it out
A High Court case of biblical proportions.
The St Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Manurewa has split asunder, with one group trying to oust the other.
But the High Court has declined an interim injunction application from 198 members.
An outcome from a subsequent main hearing is yet to be released.
The 198 members were seeking to have trespass notices against them lifted.
They argue they are lawful occupiers of the church properties and allege harassment intimidation and bullying.
The trespass notices were issued after confrontations and disputes between the two groups culminating in an arrest and assault charge against one person.
“There is an ongoing risk of violence, despite the Christian ethics being ‘Love thy neighbour’ and “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you’,” according to Associate Judge David Gendall.
He declined the application and ruled that the balance of convenience lies with the church authorities.
The defendants in the case included the Presbyterian Church and representatives of a group called the Northern Presbytery.
Chris Hutching
Sat, 02 Jun 2012
Sat, 02 Jun 2012
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Christian factions battle it out
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