ATLANTA (CBS ATLANTA) -
A few church signs has a local pastor and the city battling it out to determine what's right.
The City of Oakwood said the West Hall Baptist Church was violating the city sign ordinance by having a few banners up, but the pastor said that wasn't the case.
The city said it's not the size, shape, or even what it says that's causing problems, it's the simple fact the church hasn't gotten a permit for it. Pastor Michael Reynolds said he shouldn't need one.
With this much controversy you would think the sign would have a political agenda or racial slur, but it doesn't.
"Sign just has name of the church and time of service. That's all it says," said Reynolds.
The city said that's not the point. It said Oakwood's sign ordinance is just like every other city's.
"The bottom line is we're trying to look after the good appearance of community and trying to keep some order in community," said City Manager Stan Brown.
But the pastor said the ordinance shouldn't apply to his church because the constitution doesn't allow the city to regulate religion.
"It's just promotion of our faith and I've just seen enough intrusion by government that I don't think they have business doing that."
It's an argument the city said just isn't necessary, especially considering the permit would be free because the church is a nonprofit. It's something the city said other churches already take advantage of.
"We've had this with several other churches and it's not been an issue. We have three churches right now that have permits for signs. They let us know, we get them permits, then they take them down when done," said Brown.
Reynolds said he finds that very hard to believe.
"I just can't imagine all those churches asking permission to put up those signs. I just can't imagine that they do it," said Reynolds.
The church has taken down the signs saying it doesn't want this issue to define them, but it hasn't ruled out putting banners up in the future. In fact, Reynolds said if they do put signs up they won't be asking for permission.
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