The Norwin Star, Monroeville, PA - Church to Use Park for Prayer Day

April 24, 2008
Norwin Star, Monroeville, PA

A local church will be allowed to use Irwin Park for the May 1 National Day of Prayer.

Members of Suburban Community Church, along Arona Road east of the borough, asked borough officials last month for permission to use the park to observe the day of prayer. Borough solicitor Alan Berk responded with a letter stating the request could not be fulfilled because the borough did not grant permission to specific groups to use the park.

The letter prompted concerns from the church that the borough would deny access to the park.

"We really were surprised that they rejected us," said Pastor Paul Baer.

Baer contacted the American Center for Law and Justice, a Washington, D.C., group that fights for the constitutional right of groups and individuals to express religious beliefs. Center lawyers sent a letter to the borough, stating the church had a constitutionally protected right to use the park under the First Amendment.

The Center asked the borough to provide written assurance to the church that members could use the park, and said it would take legal action if the borough did not do so.

At last week's meeting, Irwin council member Danyce Neal raised the issue and questioned Berk's previous advice to council. She said Berk had told council members they could not allow the church to use the park, although Berk said he never specifically said religious groups could not use the park.

Neal countered by saying Berk's remarks were recorded on tape. Berk agreed to discuss the matter in executive session because of the threat of a lawsuit.

After a lengthy executive session, council voted unanimously to allow the church to use the park for the day of prayer.

Baer said his congregation, along with pastors and members from 14 other area churches, will meet in the park at 6 p.m. on May 1.

"We're going to pray for our nation, for our state and for our local officials," he said. "It's pastors praying and the congregation responding."

Baer said he expects a turnout of nearly 300 people at the event, which also will feature an honor guard from the Veterans of Foreign Wars, a Knights of Columbus Precision Team and two singers.