Revival Organizers Told to Shut Down

DURHAM — June 13, f1996 - 2:45 p.m. EDT

A religious group trying to bring more believers into the fold has brought in a bit of trouble instead.

The Bethel Christian Center Church began a 30-day tent revival on the grounds of the Liberty Street housing area after, organizers say, they received permission to do so from the city's parks and recreation department.

Now, the housing authority is saying the revival has to move, because the church didn't get housing authority permission to operate on its property.

Reverend George Bloomer of Bethel Christian Center says his group is doing good work and is set up in the right place to do it.

The housing authority's James Anderson says the church is a business and is making money, so it must tear down its tent within the next two days and move off the property.

He adds that the parks department was wrong to grant the permit.