Embassy of Heaven
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Embassy of Heaven is a Christian based organization based in Stayton, Oregon that seeks to separate from secular government. Its members profess themselves to be literal citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven and refute any ties to what they refer to as "worldly governments". The organization issues its own identity documents (including passports and drivers licenses), business licenses, motor vehicle title certificates and license plates. The group's leader is Craig Douglas Fleshman, a former Oregon state computer systems analyst who goes by the name "Pastor Paul Revere" and has been married to Rachel Revere since 1971.
The government claims the organization is set up to avoid paying taxes. Though its leaders refer to themselves as lawyers, none have any education in law nor have they passed the Bar exam.[1] The organization has run afoul of tax codes because it does not recognize the authority of the United States. In 1997, Sheriff's Deputies raided the church's property and seized it for non-payment of taxes. Pastor Revere insisted the taxes were not owed because the property was "a separate nation".[2] Several members have been arrested for driving cars with "Kingdom of Heaven" license plates and showing similar driver's licenses to law enforcement officers.[3][4][5]
According to the Anti-Defamation League, Embassy of Heaven has ties to anti-government militias.[6]
[edit] References
- ^ "Two Snohomish County men accused of anti-tax scheme", Seattle Post-Intelligencer, February 17, 2005. Retrieved on 2007-02-04.
- ^ Embassy of Heaven evicted in tax case
- ^ Licensed By Heaven
- ^ Going to Jail - First Police Encounter
- ^ Orland, Calif
- ^ "The Neo-Militia News", Anti-Defamation League, March 5, 1997. Retrieved on 2007-07-18.
[edit] External links
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