Why is Leland going after a church over its sign?

LELAND, N.C. (AP) — A sign at a house of God is being challenged by one small North Carolina town.

The town of Leland says the First Baptist Church of Leland’s sign violates an ordinance passed in 2011 because it is too big and has changeable type.

Pastor Mark Herms told the StarNews of Wilmington that since the church sign was older than the ordinance, he thought it would be grandfathered in. Herms says the church advertises charity work and a court case in Arizona suggested the sign rules violate the church’s First Amendment rights.

The town disagreed and has fined the church $1,500, but says the penalty could be waived if the sign comes in compliance.

The church is working with the town on a compromise.