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MANSFIELD — Last week local clergy met with the Richland County Board of Commissioners to discuss the importance of religious freedom. Faith leaders made the point if they are not free to practice their religion, the community will suffer. The presentation was to commemorate January 16th, 2014 as Religious Freedom Day.
The Board of Commissioners met with Reverend Jerry Laudermilk of Ontario Abundant Life Tabernacle, Reverend Eric Byrom of Mansfield Grace Fellowship, Reverend Andy Jones of Mansfield First English Lutheran, Reverend Bill Henderson of Bellville First Baptist, Reverend David Asp of the Shelby Ministerial Association, and Benjamin Mutti of the Richland Community Prayer Network to discuss the first freedom listed in the Bill of Rights.
According to the clergy, it is alarming that the federal government is prohibiting the free exercise of religion, most notably religions that espouse to the belief in the Bible.
The ministers cited a survey by the Liberty Institute and the Family Research Council entitled “Undeniable,” which lists 1,200 court cases where religious freedoms are being dismantled in America.
“In fact, this trend is being seen throughout the globe,” said Pastor Byrom, referring to a map displayed tracking religious persecution worldwide.
The group pointed out that persecution is taking place despite the valuable service that congregations provide to the local community.
Timothy Wert, county commissioner
“They (local missionaries) actually pose as goodwill ambassadors, giving our county a good reputation.”
Mutti discussed with the Commissioner Board a pilot study by a Pennsylvania researcher demonstrating that monetary values of the benefits/services that religious congregations provide can be calculated.
“While quantifying the financial value of a congregation is helpful for policy makers, the benefits of local congregation practicing its Biblical religion on the grand scale are much more comprehensive.”
The Commissioners pointed out that the churches in downtown Mansfield are anchors in their neighborhoods, keeping their properties well-maintained and providing charity to the residents.
Benjamin Mutti discusses religious persecution. (Photo courtesy of Bud Motter) 
Display of local sacred assembly.. (Photo courtesy of Bud Motter) 
Display of local clergy initiative. (Photo courtesy of Bud Motter) 
Display of local clergy initiative. (Photo courtesy of Bud Motter) 
Board of Commissioners proclaim Religious Freedom Day. (Photo courtesy of Bud Motter) 
Pastor Bill Henderson discusses church outreach. (Photo courtesy of Bud Motter) 
Board of Commissioners proclaim Religious Freedom Day. (Photo courtesy of Bud Motter) 
Board of Commissioners proclaim Religious Freedom Day. (Photo courtesy of Bud Motter) 
Board of Commissioners proclaim Religious Freedom Day. (Photo courtesy of Bud Motter) 
Commissioner Ed Olson reviews church pilot study. (Photo courtesy of Bud Motter)
Commissioner Timothy Wert noted that many missionaries from the local churches have helped with relief efforts like in the cases of Hurricane Katrina and the Haiti earthquake disaster.
“They actually pose as goodwill ambassadors, giving our county a good reputation.”
Recently a bill reinforcing religious freedom was introduced in the Ohio Legislature.
The Bottom Line:
The Bible says in James Chapter 1, “Pure religion and undefiled before GOD and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”
