Press Release
For immediate release
January 22, 2010




Within the Business License ordinance of the City of Walker, dated 1-22-01, lurks a blatant contravening of the First Amendment of the Constitution.  Article 1, Sec. 22-6 of the Business License ordinance creates a provision for the city to license, without a fee, religious establishments.

The First Amendment to the Constitution reads, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof...."  It has been well established that municipalities are bound under the Constitution as well as Congress and the states.  For any government to license a church or any religious body is an infringement by that government upon the ordinances of God.

In a letter sent to the churches in the city, dated November 13, 2009, Sue Richards, then Deputy City Clerk, asked the churches to comply with the ordinance by submitting the enclosed Business License Application Form to the city.  The letter states the reason for request is to provide information for emergency purposes.

Bill Mohr, US Taxpayers Party of Michigan (USTPM) Chairman, and Mark Simonait, Marketing Committee Chairman for the Kent County party, both being members of the Kent County USTPM Committee on Religious Freedom recently paid a visit to the Walker City Hall to inquire.  Sarah Bidalek, Walker City Clerk assured them that the purpose of the license was only to satisfy the city's database with emergency information, but when asked if the city could accomplish that without issuing a license, the answer was, "No".

To establish a precedent of licensing churches is a very dangerous act.  Within the body of the ordinance we find that a licensed church:
•    Is obligated to risk self incrimination upon the licensors request, Sec. 22-7 (b).
•    Open its books and records for examination upon request, Sec. 22-7 (e).
•    Must renew its licenses annually, Sec. 22-9 (d).
•    Must cease all activity upon the disapproval of a license, Sec. 22-7 (e), or the revocation or suspension of a license, Sec. 22-11 (a) (4).
•    Permit inspections of the establishment at the will of the authorities, Sec. 22-11 (a) (1), with or without a search warrant, Sec. 22-14 (b).

According to Black's Law Dictionary, Fifth Edition, "License.  The permission...to do an act which, without such permission, would be illegal, a trespass, or a tort." It continues, "A permit, granted...to a person, firm, or corporation...to carry on some business subject to regulation under the police power."

Quoting Black's again, "Church.  In its most general sense, the religious society founded and established by Jesus Christ, to receive, preserve, and propagate His doctrines and ordinances...."

The governments of many nations wrongfully exercise authority over the church of God, including China, India, Iran and many third world countries.  Historically in America, many pastors and laymen suffered horrendous persecution in defense of religious liberty.  Many gave their lives. 

Do we really want to waste the blood of our fathers by doing the same in America?  The US Taxpayers Party of Michigan is determined to retain the freedom to worship God apart from governmental intrusion, as was recognized by our fore fathers as they penned the document that established the greatest nation ever, the Constitution of the United States of America.

Attached, for your convenience are,
•    A PDF containing a copy of the letter sent to the churches by the City, a copy of the Business License Application Form and a copy of the Business License ordinance as provided by the City.
•    A copy of the Letter to the City of Walker by the USTPM.