Official Lends Ear in Joyful-Noise Dispute at Church

The Interfaith Council of Orange County sent a representative to Christ Our Redeemer AME Church in Costa Mesa on Sunday to help determine whether the morning gospel service is as loud as neighbors who live in an apartment complex next door have alleged.

Thomas L. Thorkelson, council vice president, stood outdoors near the apartments for much of the service to gauge the volume of music and the sermon by Pastor Edgar A. Jones. He said when the church doors were shut, the sound seemed to be contained.

A new conditional use permit for the Hamilton Street church, which is shared by the AME branch, the United Pentecostal Church of Costa Mesa and a Seventh-day Adventist group, requires that the doors stay closed, that use of amplification equipment be kept at a minimum and that church members not congregate in the parking lot.

AME members have decided not to comply on grounds that the rules interfere with their church’s traditions. The Pentecostal church has said it will adhere reluctantly.

Neighbors, however, were not pleased with their efforts Sunday and called police.

“I think the Interfaith Council is concerned with any restriction on the worship of any particular faith,” Thorkelson said. “But at the same time, we’re concerned about religious organizations doing everything they can to provide a relationship with neighbors that is positive and constructive.”

Neighbor Lee Ann Douglas said Sunday that the AME church was quieter than usual because members were aware of the press and other outside visitors. “They were on their best behavior this morning,” she said.