Some 120 people gather in the sands of Redondo Beach near Los Angeles for worship service every Sunday. Worshipers come for a wide variety of reasons, ranging from those who feel scorned by traditional church services to those who simply enjoy their churchgoing with a side of ocean breeze.
Now, after nearly two decades of beachside ministry, Los Angeles County has a message for this longstanding Christian service: Take it inside.
Church on the Beach
For the last 18 years, King’s Harbor Church in Los Angeles has been bringing the gospel to parishioners at Redondo Beach in what they call “Church on the Beach.”
The service was properly permitted by the county, but after Church on the Beach became its own 501(c)(3) last year, the permit needed to be reissued. That’s when the church learned that the county recently changed their policy, and that the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors would no longer be issuing yearly permits for religious services.
They were told that Church on the Beach was grandfathered into a plan allowing continued religious service – but only six per year. That's a far cry from the 52 they typically hold.
In response, the church has lawyered up and is prepared to move from the beach to the courtroom.
A Sandy Situation
LA County is “expressly discriminating against religious groups in public spaces” reads the lawsuit brought by Church on the Beach’s legal team, The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ). Their lawyers argue that faith groups are being held to a different standard than non-faith groups – who have no such restrictions on the frequency or regularity of beach meetings.
“It is unlawful for a public entity to treat religious groups differently or less favorably than non-religious groups with regard to the access of public forums,” reads the suit. “Accordingly, we demand that LA County immediately cease from discriminating against Church on the Beach for its religious activity, and instead immediately agree to allow the church to continue meeting.”
According to the ACLJ, a county official told a Church on the Beach pastor that they “don’t need the beach” because they can “meet in a building,” which they say shows a fundamental misunderstanding of the beach service. "The beach location isn't merely a preference,” says Nathan Moelker, ACLJ Associate Counsel. “It's a crucial component of their ministry's outreach to those who might never step foot in a conventional church."
Is It Discrimination?
Church on the Beach’s lawyers argue that it is blatantly unconstitutional to limit religious gatherings in a public space, especially when other non-religious groups do not have such restrictions. They say that they simply cannot take their worship inside, and that the beach location is not some gimmick; It is a crucial part of their ministry and a necessary setting to reach those scorned by traditional church services.
The county says the rules are clear: permits for religious activities at the beach are no longer being issued, and the church is not entitled to use a public beach as their weekly worship location. However, they did offer the group a special plan to hold services six times a year in honor of their longstanding relationship.
What do you think? Is this a case of religious discrimination against a Christian group spreading the gospel at the beach? Or is the county fully within their right to decide what sorts of events can take place on public lands?
71 comments
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Merlin
The 501(c)3 designation makes them Tax exempt. They must have started bringing in some serious money.
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Douglas Robert Spindler
It's a cult.
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Patricia Sydney Solis
“And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues (BEACHES) and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward." -- Matthew 6:5. Separate Church and State. Read the Bible and stop being a public nuisance. In DeLand, Florida, the noisy Christians blast their amplifiers in public parks, have a cross in the city seal. It degrades Christ. Respecting Christ means connect to Christ within, not some outer spectacle with a power-seeking priest. Commune with mother nature on the beach in private, but don't degrade Christ with a public show.
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Robert Gagnon
If it's private or county property they have the right to restrict activities on their property. You don't like it, buy a beach. Maybe be happy with the decades of free use you did have.
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Douglas Robert Spindler
No private Beaches in California.... It's the law.
Why Christians think they are above the law is sad.
What they are doing is illegal and against the law.
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White Owl
They are not breaking the law. They have been meeting, legally, weekly on the beach for 18 years. Due to their registering as a 501(c)(3) they had to re-permit to reflect the new status 501(c)(3) at that time the county cancelled their grandfathered in weekly and made it a 6 times a year. They never broke the law. That is what they are now legally challenging in court.
Not sure why you presume Christians think the law doesn't apply to them when they are following the law and its process.
Peace to you all,
White Owl
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arawngraalrd
No private beaches, from what I understand.
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Elizabeth Jane Erbe Wilcox
Meh. The christians always whine about being treated unfairly. Yawn…
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Rev. BH
The Christians? Here's a few groups really unfairly treated: Jews, Muslims, Atheists.. No "meh" or "yawn" here.
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Mountainsage
The county officials miss the point entirely. The beach IS the church. Restricting its use denies religious freedom.
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Douglas Robert Spindler
Christians are missing the point... They are breaking the law and doing something illegal.
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White Owl
They are not breaking the law. They have been meeting, legally, weekly on the beach for 18 years. Due to their registering as a 501(c)(3) they had to re-permit to reflect the new status 501(c)(3) at that time the county cancelled their grandfathered in weekly & made it a 6 times a year. They never broke the law. That is what they are now legally challenging in court.
Peace to you all, White Owl
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Rev. BH
Douglas, saying the same thing over and over again does not make it correct. Relax.
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Patricia Law
please pray in private i do not want to see your prayers while at the beach
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Patricia Law
please pray in private i do not want to see your prayers while at the beach
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Patricia Law
please pray in private i do not want to see your prayers while at the beach
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Patricia Law
please pray in private i do not want to see your prayers while at the beach
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Rev. BH
Yeah, alright already Patricia. 4 times!
However, if you do not want to see prayers at the beach, don't go to that spot. And don't go to church - you'll be exposed to prayer there too.
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Rev Samantha Counihan
technically its not discrimination because theyre preaching around none members of their coven, and not everyone is christian, so the town probably has disturbance complaints about them, i know that if someone is preaching christianity i wouldnt go there ever again because i dont need to hear their beliefs, just like alot of others dont wanna hear about it either
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arawngraalrd
I don't think it's rightful that a church ask permission of any public authority. Be a good neighbor, and where might we gather to sing and dance? Hold the Services, but it's easier to ask Forgiveness than Permission.
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White Owl
"Render unto Caesar what is Caesars" It is Caesar's beach, asking permission is the right thing to do. To violate anything in anyway, especially with the attitude of asking forgiveness is wrong. Would you forgive me if I came to your house and held my worship in your home without permission?
Peace to you all
White Owl
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Charles Oliver Wolff
There is not enough information here to formulate a legal analysis. Are any other types of activity being restricted? If so, which ones? Is it all religious activity, or a certain denomination, sect, or particular church group? The lines blur quickly and more facts are needed.
In Upstate NY, a Wiccan church owns a large parcel of rural land where they worship outdoors. The state has decided to deny their NY tax exempt status as there is no building on the property. This is a clear violation of the constitutional right to worship in the manner of one's choice. It's in the early stage of litigation on the local level but is headed to NY's highest court for sure. And beyond.
As a minister and an attorney, I had to turn this case down because of the strong chance it will move to a federal court and I am not licensed to practice above the state level, but I will be watching this one very, very closely.
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Robert F. Denk Jr
This is public land as as such is open to all. Having religious services in a public space infringes on the rights of non-Christians. All people need to be considered in this equation not just the Christians. Not discrimination; consideration, a very big difference.
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Donald G Magel
Perhaps they were "Sharing the Gospel" to folks not really interested in being "shared" to. And every weekend too, though their permit was for six.
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Colleen McAllister
Public beaches should be available to the public. Unless the church fences off the area and keeps others from entering or joining in, then they should be permitted to continue to hold the services.
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Patricia Ann Gross
Sorry, but even if they set up a temporary barrier and take it down after the service, it wouldn't matter. People holding weddings on the beach likely do. I don't see the problem unless they are erecting and leaving permanet structures. signage or other things that stay up during the week.
My take is a little different. Why is the 501(c)3 creating this problem? If a food bank incorporated as a 501(c)3 wants to distribute food on the beach, are they also limited to six times a year? If not, then this is religious discrimination. Whether or not you have a "thing" for churches being held in public, the church has a right to their day in court.
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JT Sunrise
On California shores—a time when a long-held tradition of meeting by the sea has been challenged by a decree, telling the “Church on the Beach” to take its worship elsewhere. In the sand and surf, many have found a sanctuary, a place where the sacred meets the natural, where souls are stirred by the rhythm of the tide and the whisper of the wind. For decades, those gatherings have been a testament to a faith that sees no walls, that finds God in the open, wild spaces of our Mother Earth.
Yet, here we are, confronted by new regulations and by voices—some in praise of order and public space management, others in protest for what they see as an assault on religious freedom. I have read the words of both the dissenting comments and those calling for respect for the public good. And in my heart, I sense the deep yearning of all who worship: the yearning to belong, to be seen, and to be united in love.
Let us reflect on this: our public spaces, like the beach, are not just parcels of sand and sea, but canvases where the beauty of creation is celebrated. When we gather there, we are not intruding upon a neutral ground—we are reclaiming a space where the divine speaks in the crashing waves and the open sky. And yet, society too has its needs for regulation, for ensuring that the rights of all are safeguarded.
I invite you now to see these tensions as an opportunity to explore the deeper currents of our shared human journey. In the midst of what some call a social power war, we are reminded that true unity is not achieved by suppressing differences but by embracing them. For our sacred texts remind us that our oneness transcends the confines of institutional boundaries or public permits; our unity is woven into the very fabric of our souls.
The first tide of unity calls us to honor every human being’s dignity—whether gathered by the sea or in a hall—recognizing that the Creator’s breath is in all of us. The second tide bids us to seek honest dialogue, to speak our truths with humility even when our voices tremble. And the third tide invites us to extend grace—grace that can transform regulatory conflicts into chances for reconciliation, where differences are not weapons but stepping stones toward a fuller, richer fellowship.
In our daily lives, let us remember that the Church is not confined to a building, a beach, or even a legal charter. It is the gathering of hearts, the shared laughter and tears, and the unyielding hope that we are all children of one God. So let us not be divided by the shifting sands of policy or the loud clamor of dissent. Instead, let us build our spiritual home on the rock of compassion, where every voice is valued and every soul is welcome.
Rev JTSunrise
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Patricia Ann Gross
Rev. JT.,
Very well said, and I couldn't agree more. Here's hope that this results in a reconciliation or even a compromise option (perhaps, more locations that rotate each month) that allows for a win for both the church and the beach. Sometimes both sides have to give a little to get the win.
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Nicholas J Page
So what is wrong with church on the beach you don't have to go there although parties and BBQs are allowed which causes more damage to the environment.
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James Riggle-Johnson
As a lifelong California resident, I find it embarrassing to witness our local and state government impose unnecessary restrictions on a group that has responsibly held services on the beach for nearly 20 years. If they had never declared their 501(c) status, this situation wouldn’t even exist. It’s bewildering that other groups can meet freely while the Church on the Beach faces limitations. It’s not surprising that many attendees feel more comfortable in an outdoor beach setting, and honestly, what harm is there in allowing them to continue? It simply doesn’t make sense, and it reflects poorly on the local and state government.
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Samuel Tamayo
The Big One . it is written ;
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Danielle Elizabeth Ostach
It all really depends on what the law says. If the law says first come first server with no limits then the church on the beach is in the right. If the law says "No group shall be granted more than 6 days to insure fair access to all with no two weeks consecutive." then the country is right.
I refuse to judge right or wrong until I know letter of the law in this case. It could be there were other churches that wanted some sundays, could be there were social groups that wanted sundays and because of old permit grandfathered in, other groups were excluded.
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Rev. BH
How about yoga on the beach? It has Vedic origins - intertwined with ancient Indian religions!
Get rid of those buff ladies and lean gents on their mats before all hell breaks loose!
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William Wilkins
I can reasonably assume that attendees of Church on the Beach are taxpayers, giving them the right to be on the beach as they wish. Attending a religious service in no way changes that right. LA County is wrong and they need to back away from this discrimination.
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Colin Jeffrey
You could also reasonably assume that members of a satanic cult pay their taxes too. So they too would be able to perform their rituals on the same beach.
Or is it only discrimination if it's against Christians?
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John D Kelley
Yes, it is total discrimination, “Anywhere there are 2 or more gathered in My name, Jesus say He is there also” There can DEFINITELY be a legitimate in the sand. God is there.
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John D Kelley
Comment removed by user.
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Rev Ned
Why do they even need a permit? The 1st Amendment of The Constitution guarantees freedom of assembly. Aren’t all beaches in California free?
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Eugene D. Norman Jr
My thoughts exactly.
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Colin Jeffrey
So you'd be happy enough with a satanic cult doing the same thing? Or is it only discrimination when it's against Christians?
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James Riggle-Johnson
It's time for a reality check. Christians in this country are not under attack; instead, it’s becoming increasingly clear that they are the ones launching attacks against anyone who dares to hold differing views. They deny services to specific groups, claiming those groups contradict their beliefs, all while shouting about parental rights—unless, of course, a parent supports their child's choices that don’t align with their values. This is classic deflection: accusing others of the very actions they themselves embody.
As a California resident, I stand by the church in question. They've held services there for years, and it’s only fair that the city recognizes this by granting them permission without charge. There should be a grandfather clause in place to honor their long-standing presence.
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Keith Graham Ainsworth
Then move a few metres down the beach. You would be most upset in the middle east, where people are allowed to pray anywhere
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Robert F. Denk Jr
Having lived in the middle east I have to point out that these countries are Theocracy's ant Democratic Republics with a separation between church and state. This is state land not private land so the state or city has the right to determine what takes place on that beach.
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Colin Jeffrey
Christians are like those with a psychosis who refuse to take their meds. Only religion is better tolerated than mental illness, which is why they aren't all in a psych ward for talking to their invisible friend in their head.
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Rev. BH
Just Christians?
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Colin Jeffrey
Ok, people of ALL religions.
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Rev. BH
Colin, to put it more kindly, many of us here believe in a god, many of us don't. But "mental illness" and "psychosis" doesn't define any of us, except those harboring inordinate anger. May I suggest letting ULCM members chose their personal beliefs without such rancor and name calling. Lionheart and I usually disagree on such matters, but with courtesy and humor.
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White Owl
Does that include you, as an ordained minister?
Peace to you all, White Owl
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Colin Jeffrey
Just like many other"ordained ministers," White Oil, I do not necessarily believe in sky fairies.
So, no, that does not include me.
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White Owl
So "ALL" religions except yours, sounds hypocritical.
Peace to you all, White Owl
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John P Maher
WITH ALL THE MONEY " O M G " HAS BUY THE BEACH and SHUTTHEF---KUP
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John Robert Milner
California
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Rev. Carol M Anaski-Figurski
Can the church on the beach park districtize & put a rentable pavillion up that is still outside on the beach & can be used for gathering purpose every or any day or the year. Let's gather there.
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Rev Comrade Rowley
They would have a case of unlawful discrimination if they can prove that their church caters for an oppressed group such as the LGBTIQA+ community and other than the beach there is no other location that can meet together for weekly Sunday church. They essentially have to prove that it's been made illegal for their sunday church to meet at a beach and that they are being treated differently from other groups of people who meet at the beach for a ruling of unlawful discrimination. In my country in Sydney NSW Australia I had an anti discrimination court case in which transphobic individuals from a former church was using their church records containing my deadname and misgender and the police to make it illegal for Transgender clergy, The universal Life Church and my clacca ULC ministry to organize our own church in any location and they were against the legal right to protest for transgender rights. We won in which the court ruled it was unlawful discrimination on transgender grounds to make it illegal for transgender clergy to organize our own churches and that we do have the legal right to protest in public spaces. So they may have a case.
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Dan Prowse
Expression of one's religion I would think is protected under the 1st Amendment.
As such, paired with free speech, I would offer that even requiring permits for the gathering in the first place could be challenged; argued in the courts.
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Rev. Donut
If they just throw some protected class into the church name, of which California loony tunes have a truck load of, I'm sure they will get an exception.
Just don't try and use "Straight White Christian" That would never fly.
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Ronaldo
The Boy Scouts of America spent decades using and cleaning up city and state parks until some bureaucrats decided that "separation of church and state" should prohibit them from doing so and put an end to it. In most cases, permits weren't even necessary for many years, and the communities usually did not complain about the Scouts being there.
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John Casillo
L A COUNTY, CALIF.....REALLY....WHAT COULD ANYONE EXPECT
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John D Kelley
Yes, it’s total discrimination “ Where 2 or more are gathered here in My name, Jesus and God will be there” You definitely can have a legitimate church in the sand. GOD IS THERE.
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Robert F. Denk Jr
This is the attitude that alienates Christians from others. It is not your right becasue you believe that a supernatural being is present everywhere. Not a valid argument at all.
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Michael Ray Lane
Pretty obvious discrimination in my view. Just another attack on Christianity. Some may argue well deserved, maybe, with all the crazy stuff some so called Christians are doing like mushrooms for communion.
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Richard Dixon
Religious discrimination
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David Douglas Winters
Blatant
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Lion on the Beach
Get out of California. Florida or Texas is a better option.
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Patricia Sydney Solis
True, the age as Taliban is alive and well there. Obey!
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Michael Joseph Cheney
Would they kick them out if they were doing transgender story hour? For some reason I doubt it. That said there is an insufferable guy who uses a megaphone to preach at a busy intersection by me. You can hear him spewing hell fire and brimstone a quarter mile away. I can not enjoy my BBQ or open my windows when this unasked for sermon is forced upon me. I'm guessing he has driven away more than he has brought into his fold.
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Rev Ned
Yes, it is.
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Michael J. Huegel Sr
This is absolutely discrimination, people who go to the beach are often called sun worshipers should they be prohibited by the law they must be, this is absurd. People afraid of catching god haven’t yet seen where the Ten Commandments and prayer are going back in school they need to catch up with what they voted for.
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Joseph Urban
I assume the beach is maintained by public moneys. So, it is a public space. Should religious institutions be able to use public spaces for their services? Should religious groups have fewer rights than other groups? Or more rights than other groups? Should any organized group activities be allowed in public spaces? Will beaches become points of contention, for example, if the KKK wanted to hold meetings on the beach? Or atheists groups? Or political parties?
I don't know California or local law on this issue. It seems to me that one possible solution may be to have one area of the beach available for any group to rent for their meetings or activities. Whether a religious or political or recreational group it would be wise to signify a particular area for them.
By doing so the group would be able to pursue their activities and the rest of the beach (presuming it is a large area) would be free from being bothered by them.
Najah Tamargo-USA
People have parties on the beach, get married on the beach, get drunk on the beach, but you can't have a church meeting on the beach???? Literally, what the hell???!!!
That's the law. Not sure why Christians think the law doesn't apply to them.
They are not breaking the law. They have been meeting, legally, weekly on the beach for 18 years. Due to their registering as a 501(c)(3) they had to re-permit to reflect the new status 501(c)(3) at that time the county cancelled their grandfathered in weekly and made it a 6 times a year. They never broke the law. That is what they are now legally challenging in court.
Not sure why you presume Christians think the law doesn't apply to them when they are following the law and its process.
Peace to you all, White Owl