01/19/2026
A SAFE & RESPECTFUL PLACE FOR WORSHIP
Information for the attenders of Deferiet Union Deferiet Union Church and the Public.
Important Information for Our Congregation
Deferiet Union Church is committed to being a place where people can worship peacefully, reverently, and without intimidation. New York law strongly protects the right to religious worship, and we want everyone to understand both their rights and responsibilities.
OUR COMMITMENT
We welcome all who come in peace and good faith.
We are committed to maintaining a worship environment that is safe, orderly, and respectful.
Disruptive or threatening behavior toward worshippers will not be tolerated.
YOUR RIGHT TO WORSHIP
Under New York State law, a worship service is considered a lawful assembly.
This means congregants have the legal right to:
Attend services without being harassed, shouted at, threatened, or obstructed
Enter and exit the building freely
Worship without unreasonable noise or disruption
Interfering with a worship service is a criminal offense in New York.
BEHAVIOR THAT IS NOT PERMITTED
The following actions may result in law enforcement involvement:
Shouting, chanting, or creating loud disturbances during services
Blocking doors, aisles, or entrances
Threatening, intimidating, or physically confronting others
Repeatedly disrupting services after being asked to stop
Any form of violence or physical interference
Depending on the behavior, these actions can lead to arrest, fines, probation, jail time, or court orders banning the person from Deferiet Union Church property.
IF A DISRUPTION OCCURS
For everyone’s safety:
Do not engage or argue with a disruptive individual
Notify an usher, Deferiet Union Church leader, or designated safety volunteer
Allow trained personnel or law enforcement to handle the situation
If there is an immediate threat, 911 will be called.
OUR ROLE AS A CONGREGATION
We ask all members and visitors to:
Conduct themselves with respect and self-control
Follow directions from ushers or Deferiet Union Church leadership
Help maintain a peaceful environment for worship
Christian hospitality does not require tolerating disorder, intimidation, or danger.
A FINAL WORD
Scripture calls us to worship “decently and in order” (1 Cor. 14:40).
Maintaining a safe and respectful environment protects: Our congregation. Our guests. Our ability to gather freely and faithfully.
Thank you for helping make our Deferiet Union Church a place of peace, reverence, and safety.
Notes: Applicable Laws:
1. Disruption or Disturbance of a Religious Service
Penal Law § 240.21 — Class A Misdemeanor
Prohibited conduct
Yelling, shouting, chanting, or making unreasonable noise
Disrupting a service inside the Deferiet Union Church or within 300 feet
Conduct intended to annoy, alarm, or interfere with worship
Maximum penalties: Jail: up to 364 days. Fine: up to $1,000
Probation: up to 3 years. Court-ordered stay-away from Deferiet Union Church property
2. Criminal Interference with Religious Worship (2nd Degree)
Penal Law § 240.70 — Class A Misdemeanor
Prohibited conduct
Blocking entrances or exits
Threats, intimidation, or physical obstruction
Using or threatening force to interfere with worship
Maximum penalties: Jail: up to 364 days. Fine: up to $1,000
Probation: up to 3 years. Orders of protection / stay-away orders are common
3. Criminal Interference with Religious Worship (1st Degree)
Penal Law § 240.71 — Class E Felony
Applies when: A person commits interference with worship after a prior conviction for the same offense.
Maximum penalties: State prison: up to 4 years. Probation: up to 5 years. Fine: up to $5,000
4. Aggravated Interference with Religious Worship
Penal Law §§ 240.72–240.73 — Felonies
If physical injury occurs
§ 240.72 (injury): Class D felony — up to 7 years prison
§ 240.73 (serious injury): Class C felony — up to 15 years prison
5. Disorderly Conduct (Fallback Charge)
Penal Law § 240.20 — Violation
Used when: Conduct is disruptive but less severe.
Maximum penalties: Jail: up to 15 days. Fine: up to $250
