Federal Court Victory for Proclamation of the Gospel

On October 15^th, we settled a case involving a church pastor who filed a civil rights lawsuit in federal court claiming he was falsely arrested for conducting religious services without a license from the city.

We filed suit in May, 2006, in U.S. District Court in St. Louis, Missouri, on behalf of Pastor Bori Oginni and Lighted Path Ministries International.  Defendants in the action included the City of Beverly Hills, Missouri; Mayor Clarence King; Chief of Police, Joe Collins; and the arresting officer.  The suit contended that the arrest of Pastor Oginni on May 23, 2004, for conducting a church service without proper license was a violation of Pastor Oginnis constitutional rights.

We are pleased that this case has been settled and that the issues that led to the lawsuit have been resolved.  We are committed to safeguarding the right of pastors, churches, and believers to preach the Gospel unhindered.  We stand ready to vindicate the constitutional rights of persons like Pastor Oginni wherever and whenever necessary.

In a settlement agreement reached between the parties, the city agreed to pay a sum of money in settlement of the pastors claims.  In addition, Beverly Hills Chief of Police, Joe Collins, signed a letter stating that the city does not tolerate discrimination or the violation of the civil rights of citizens.  With the agreement, the parties have agreed to dismiss the lawsuit.