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Council allows Belfast Bible Church event at Steamboat Landing after debate on religious use of park
Summary
After extended public comment and council debate about equal access and location, the Belfast City Council voted 3–2 to allow the Belfast Bible Church to hold a family‑oriented event at Steamboat Landing and directed staff to coordinate dates and logistics with Parks & Rec.
The Belfast City Council voted 3–2 on July 15 to allow the Belfast Bible Church to use Steamboat Landing for a community event after a lengthy discussion over whether the request would amount to a religious service on public property.
Pastor Rick Stoops, who introduced himself as pastor of Belfast Bible Church, told the council the group intended a community “give back” event with snow cones, popcorn, a jump house and background music and “didn't intend to make it a church service.” He said his group had consulted an attorney and felt they were being treated unfairly: “we honestly feel discriminated against,” Stoops said during the public‑comment period.
The council split over legal and practical concerns. Councilor Neil Harkness and others framed the question as equal access: if nonreligious groups can use parks for outreach, the same rules should apply to religious groups provided they follow city permitting rules. Councilor Paul Dean and Councilor Brenda Bonneville raised objections centered on location and precedent — Dean said the council had to consider whether the event’s setup and site would unduly impose religion on passersby and noted the Crosby Center arrangement that influenced where gatherings occurred.
Mayor Eric Sanders and several councilors asked staff to confirm available dates with Parks & Recreation; possible dates mentioned during discussion included Aug. 23 and Sept. 13. After debate and clarification, the council approved allowing the event by a 3–2 vote. The meeting record does not show a roll‑call listing of each member’s vote, only the final tally as recorded in the minutes.
Why it matters: The decision balances First Amendment free‑speech and assembly considerations against the city's permit rules and the practical question of whether an event's location and format would affect other park users. Councilors said the decision will be guided by the event's conditions and by coordination with city staff.
The council directed staff to work with the organizers and the Parks & Recreation director to confirm dates and event conditions so the permit can be processed and the event staged without disrupting other park activities.
