Church Music Threatened

While the Church of Universal Love and Music bickers with authorities over the details of a recent drug raid at the Mount Peasant, Pa., music church, Fayette County attorney Marie Jones wants the church shut down.

Jones is asking Chief U.S. District Judge Donetta Ambrose to issue a restraining order for events at the church. A hearing on the request could take place as early as next week.
Authorities recently raided the church during its “Funk Fest” concert series, arresting 23 people and confiscating large amounts of drugs and drug paraphernalia.

Church attorney Greg Koerner called the raid “malicious prosecution” and said it violated the letter and spirit of a settlement of a federal religious rights lawsuit. No one form the church was arrested or charged, Koerner added.

Critics and neighbors claim the nondenominational church is nothing more than a music venue that has found a way to circumvent a zoning law.