Faith Tested: Pastor's wife fined for "unnecessary noise" for praying too loud

LISBON, ND (KTRK) -- A Pastor and his family's faith is being tested by law enforcement who say his wife is praying to loud on city sidewalks.

Martha Nagbe has already had two court dates and has paid a $150 in fines for "unnecessary noise," KVLV-TV reports. Nagbe feels her rights are being denied, and she won't stop praying in public.

"I can't stop. I'm trusting God," the pastor's wife said. "In the United States, it's one nation under God."

Lisbon Police say the citations are not about religion or freedom of speech. They say they are just responding to neighbors who are calling in to complain about the loudness of her voice.

"She is standing outside of their house shouting," said Lisbon Police Chief Jeanette Persons. "It's not that she just walks by, but she will stand out there for a lengthy period of time."

Officers claim those loud prayers are "disturbing the peace."

"I mean, we all need prayers and great she's out there praying for all of us, but it's just the volume of her voice," said Persons.

Nagbe says she intends to continue sharing her faith. Chief Persons further tells KVLV-TV that if Nagbe intends to pray loudly in the streets, she will continued to be fined, but if the pastor's wife lowers her voice, the issue would be solved.