Can a person be physically removed, legally, from a church for publicly addressing sin/error during a service?

Question

Say a person is either a member or a visitor to a church and publicly addresses an error in a sermon or points out a member who is in sin or any other VALID point. Could a 'pastor' legally have security/ushers physically remove a person from the premises?
note: In this situation, the person speaking out isn't yelling, screaming or in any other way acting in a threatening manner. They simply put the issue in the open and or respond to a rebuttal.

I was having a conversation and the question which was posed went along the lines of, "How can one be true to the Scriptures concerning public rebuke or addressing of sin if churches guard themselves against it by hiding behind laws which make it a crime to do so?" Being in leadership myself, I was perplexed with the question. Having ample time behind a pulpit, I welcome any challenge to what I'm teaching for the sake of truth and integrity. Also, those who are living in sin (fornication, adultery, etc...) are supposed to be publicly addressed and disfellowshipped if necessary. But at the same time it leaves a whole lot of room for anyone who's juyst trying to be disruptive.

Answer 1

I understand your concern. Definition of public freedom of speech refers to common areas that is not inciting a riot or disturbing of the peace and is not under the definition of private property ownership. A church is private property.

I agree to the right of a healthy theological debate and questioning of doctrine as I am one of those critters who was frowned upon by the church for reading Anton Louis LaVey's Satanic Bible and Rituals and always questioning the practice of Church doctrine's and point of views. They thought me blasphemous and I simply told them, if the enemy is Satan, why I shouldn't want to know and understand the enemy's doctrine and belief? Then I know what it is I am fighting against and to understand the perils of temptation. As without Satan, then there is no point for the belief of God and vice versa as they are counterbalances of each other.

Also, your pastor practiced a "no-no" by my point of view. That is the judging of another as those without sin can only cast the first stone. Yet Jesus himself chose not to and also Jesus asked forgiveness for his outrage/temper tantrum in the synagogue. The purpose of the church was not to past judgement but to provide a place of fellowship for all and to teach to those willing to open their hearts and soul to The Word of God. We are all sinners. So those who sin in ways we may not approve, isn't it up to us to guide them about the Word and to try our best to live by example of the Word instead of using harassing words of intimidation? So at the peril of repeating myself: It is not up to the the "saints" to judge and to publicly announce or denounce sinners. It is for the church to be a beacon of finding a path to righteousness.

Hopefully, your pastor will see he needs to ask for God's forgiveness and of the person he cast away and allow healthy debate. However, I do believe there is an appropriate time and place for all things. Your pastor could have handled it better by responding to the person with a statement, "I hear you and your questions are inciteful; however, I prefer we address it later when we can devote time, as of now we have a sermon for all of us to enjoy, but perhaps we can arrange a more private time and allow open participation of those with interests with your questions." Now that would be the best representation of fellowship for those with confident knowledge with doctrine and theology to review the questions the person had in a very private get together which would allow ample time of Q & A's and might even increase a bigger bonding time for all.

Now instead, your shepherd (pastor) has lost a sheep and needs to go find them to bring them back into the fold as we do not want the wolf (Satan) to devour them.

Good luck and much prayers

edit add:

I realized I forgot to add a very important parable Jesus told. If I knock at the door, who will let me in? Remember he had visited 3 homes and how they turned him away for various reasons? What would your pastor think if he found out he had thrown Jesus out of his church?

Answer 2

A church is private property so yes they can have you removed.

Addressing an error in the sermon is best done after the service with the pastor what you feel is a valid point may not be to others. A church service is not the place to point out others sin. Besides that really isn't your job or mine is it. People go to church to ask forgiveness for their sins and that is between them and God, not them and the entire congregation.

I go to church to ask forgiveness and hear the message being offered. I do not go to church to hear about other peoples dirty laundry or a debate. In my church debating the message is done in bible class or one on one with the pastor.

Answer 3

Well, technically no one has the "right" to occupy another person's private property unless they have explicit or implicit permission, a warrant from a judge (only if you're a law enforcement officer / peace officer though), or probable cause that a crime is in process or about to be committed (only for police too though). If the priest who has legal control over the church asks a member to leave, he has the right to do so. However, he cannot use excessive violence to protect his rights or violate any of the other person's rights.

Answer 4

there is not any regulation governing who would attend centers and below what circumstances. government isn't interior the church enterprise. In regulation, the church is seen no distinctive than the different deepest materials. So, ask your self this. in case you have been at homestead and a customer began appearing rudely and you have been offended with the help of it, would not you be chuffed to throw that man or woman out of your place? i could. The pastor has genuinely the same authority. The ramifications are no longer criminal in nature. relatively, he unfavorable aspects in basic terms the alienation of the congregation (or its applause).

Answer 5

Churches are private entities of which the pastor/minister is effectively the manager. As such, they have the option to refuse service to anyone, just like any other business. They normally don't, but if someone is being a butthead, they certainly can.

Answer 6

Yes, the person acting that way can be removed and it is legal. It is called disturbing the peace. It does not infringe on your right to free speech. And, if you plan to "expose" someone as a "sinner" prepare for two things: (1) getting decked; and (2) getting sued.

Answer 7

I don't think church is the place for rebuttals.

Why would you wanna correct the pastor? Everyone flubs a word here and there..
Why would you wanna call out a parishioner...Love thy neighbor...right?

Answer 8

If they tell you sit down and be quiet....you choose not to...they can ask you to leave...if you refuse they can forcibly remove you...at that point you are trespassing.

Youre right to free speech does not extend to private property...it ends at the sidewalk........

P.S. Just because YOU feel that youre point is valid...doesnt mean it really is