( CNS) -- A group of 16 senior citizens who were told to stop religious activity at a Dallas-area senior center have sued city officials, claiming their constitutional rights to freedom of speech, assembly and religious exercise had been violated.

Filed a week ago, their lawsuit targets Balch Springs officials who said the seniors no longer could pray over their meals, sing gospel songs or listen to religious teachings by a pastor at the center, "The Fort Worth Star-Telegram" reported.

"We're not going to stop until they stop the religious discrimination that's going on against these seniors," said Kelly Shackelford, chief attorney for the Liberty Legal Institute, which is assisting in the lawsuit.

The seniors say that for years they were allowed to pray and do other Christian activities at the center until this summer when three people said they were offended. The city curtailed religious activity at the center because it feared violations of the separation of church and state provision of the Constitution.

But after the senior citizens complained, the city last month decided to allow a blessing before meals and the singing of gospel songs, but not preaching, the "Star-Telegram" reported.

But senior Peggy Rial said she is continuing with the lawsuit because she wants all activity restored.

"A lot of seniors that attend don't drive or have a car and can't get to church on a Sunday," she said. "This is the only way for them to get a teaching of the Bible. It's not a structured service ... just studying the Word of God."

© 2003 charismanews.com
© 2003 Maranatha Christian News Service