A number of you have enquired about developments with the alleged City code violation I blogged about on the 24th March. The photo above is the official warning letter we received. We were given a right of appeal and following is the letter we submitted to the Council:
2721 Parkview Blvd.
Robbinsdale MN 55422
4/2/2018
Dear Robbinsdale City Council:
Thank you for allowing us 45 days to respond to the alleged Ordinance violations relating to our home at 2721 Parkview.
First a little personal background. Robbinsdale and 2721 Parkview has been my family’s home for 16 years. We have lived here 16 years peaceably, without incident or controversy.
I grew up in Belfast, Northern Ireland where I trained as a doctor. In 1980 at the height of “the Troubles” I left medical practice to work for peace and reconciliation by leading a faith based community of Catholics and Protestants.
In 1994, Hilary, my wife of 42 years, myself and our 7 children immigrated from Ireland to Minnesota to continue this reconciliation work in our new homeland and to contribute to it’s wellbeing. Part of this work involves our opening our home to members of our faith family who are in need of healing so they can live for a time in a stable and loving family environment.
Our children have in turn been able to make their contribution here. For example, our eldest son (Robin) is a life health coach, another son (Luke) has opened two restaurants in North East (The Anchor Fish and Chips and The Draft Horse), while another son (Ben) has contributed as a songwriter to the arts. I believe he has done a house concert in Mayor Murphy’s home. We now have 10 American grandchildren.
1. In answer to alleged violation of SECTION 505.09 SUBD 48
We are not in violation of this Ordinance because we are a single family related by blood.
Our faith instructs us that we are a “family of faith.” Galatians. 6:20.
Every person that lives in our home is part of our single family of faith because everyone in our single family of faith has faith in the blood of Christ:
“God presented him (Jesus Christ) as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.” Romans. 3:25.
We are therefore a single spiritual family of brothers and sisters related through the blood of Christ.
Christ affirms our position:
“While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers? ”Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” Matthew. 12:47-50
2. In answer to alleged violation SECTION 515.01 SUBD 3.R-1
We are a single family related by blood and we do not rent rooms to our family members. We believe God sends people our way and when we invite them to come and live as part of our family we make it clear that it is not a commercial arrangement but a relationship. We tell them we do not charge rent because our understanding of hospitality is that it should be an extension and reflection of the immeasurable and free grace that we have already received.
Again, our faith instructs us:
“Offer hospitality without grumbling” 1 Peter 4:9, and “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” Hebrews. 13:2.
This is the belief of all main branches of the Christian faith. The Jewish Torah also commands care for strangers 36 times, even more times than love for God.
At the hearing on this matter, we will show the Council that we have fully complied with the letter and spirit of the Robbinsdale Ordinances by using our property in a manner that best protects the public health, safety, and general welfare of the people of Robbinsdale (505.03) and further that our interpretation of the ordinances above is consistent with the Ordinances because in “in interpretation and application,” the Ordinances require that its provisions be held to be “the minimum requirements for the promotion of the public health, safety, and welfare.” (505.05)
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for me.” Matt. 25:40.
Yours faithfully,
Paul and Hilary Kyle
P.S. God knows the end from the beginning and everything in between. Just before the violation issue surfaced I started my post with following photo.
Brian Rupe commented:
“Paul, great message in today’s blog. I noticed in the top photo the front door is open which is quite surprising, knowing it is winter.
Behold I stand at the door and knock . . . Come on on on in . . . !”
P.P.S. We continue waiting on the Lord and awaiting a response from the City Council.