Ruling on Property Seizure Rallies Christian Groups

Conservative Christian groups seeking to galvanize support for a battle over a Supreme Court nomination are rallying around the unlikely symbol of a mega-church in Los Alamitos, Calif., one of a handful of houses of worship that have tangled with towns over the use of eminent domain to take their properties. In the aftermath of a Supreme Court ruling two weeks ago in favor of using eminent domain for development that increases a city's tax base, many Christian groups are warning supporters that the tax-exempt status of churches may make them targets, often citing the attempt to take a plot of land from the Cottonwood Christian Center in Los Alamitos. Many legal experts say the fears are unfounded, and a federal appeals court ultimately blocked the condemnation of Cottonwood's property. But calling the decision evidence that the court is out of touch, several Christian groups have seized on the ruling as a potent new motivation to fight for a conservative to replace Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who is retiring. "Supreme Court decision threatens property rights putting homes, businesses and churches at risk!" the American Center for Law and Justice said in an e-mail bulletin to supporters. The American Family Association warned its members, "If the government decides a mall would produce more tax income than your home or a church, they can now take your home or a church." A column distributed via e-mail by the evangelical self-help group Focus on the Family said, "Churches located in prime areas should be especially concerned." In an interview, Jay Sekulow, a Christian radio host and the chief counsel of the American Center for Law and Justice, said the case had touched a nerve. "We have had more response to this case than we have had to the decision on the Ten Commandments - how about that?" Mr. Sekulow said. "I think it ranks up there with any case we have ever had in showing that the court does, in fact, impact your life."....

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