The answer is really easy

Sometimes, there’s a simple solution. It may not be easy, it may be a

hardship, but it is simple.

Such is the case with the lingering problems between the city and

Praise Christian Center.

Congregants have been meeting outside their sanctuary, a warehouse

turned church turned vacant building, since December 2001, when the

Fire Department told them it violated safety codes.

In September 2002, the Planning Commission granted the church a

conditional use permit, but required that a list of upgrades be made

to the building.

But church leaders fought the city, saying it was discriminating

against the church, and they continue to do so. Leaders of Praise

Christian Center filed a lawsuit against the city in October 2003

alleging discrimination.

There are about 50 Christian churches in Huntington Beach. There

is one religious discrimination lawsuit.

The answer here is simple: Make the upgrades and have services

indoors once again.

The fire official who went through Praise Christian was doing his

job. Just like every other business in Huntington Beach, the church

must abide by fire and safety codes. And like every other business,

it must apply for and abide by city permits. No one in the Fire

Department, on the Planning Commission or among city staff members is

discriminating against Praise Christian Center.

These codes and these regulations exist to keep people safe.

Church leaders need to get their building up to snuff, pay their

fines and get their congregation indoors.