Theaters, community centers and funeral homes have zones in Bethel where they are permitted, but churches don't, explained Mauck. That is religious discrimination. A trial court judge ruled that Bethel had to allow the church to build but did not allow the church to collect damages. On appeal, the Connecticut Appellate Court agreed with the trial courts ruling regarding monetary compensation. Mauck is currently appealing the case to the United States Supreme Court.
Pastors feel there are various reasons they become a target of zoning officials.
Some believe zoning has simply become a government bureaucracy out of control but others are confident they are being discriminated against. The church's pastor, Reverend John Rawlings contends the reason for the zoning clash was clear. There are people in almost every community who hate God, hate the Bible and hate churches, especially churches with active ministries. That's what we're having to contend with. That is the spirit of the age we live in.