City officials in Bryan, Ohio just filed criminal charges against Pastor Chris Avell…AGAIN. They simply will not stop harassing Dad’s Place Church.

The city is violating a court order from back in January, which made clear that the city could not take any enforcement actions against the church.

But now, the Mayor and city officials are blatantly disregarding the court’s order and are once again criminally charging Pastor Chris.

Also, earlier this week, police and fire officials showed up at Dad’s Place at 5:30 am for an unannounced inspection and alleged fire code violations. They threatened fines of $1,000 per day if the church does not immediately halt its 24-hour ministry beginning on May 1.

Less than 48 hours after that surprise inspection, they filed the criminal charges.

The city has been hostile toward Dad’s Place ever since Mayor Carrie Schlade decided to launch a crusade against the church’s 24/7 ministry last year. This is the second time the city has criminally charged Pastor Chris and tried to shut down his ministry.

The city’s treatment of Pastor Chris is not only discriminatory...it’s unlawful.

That’s why First Liberty’s going back to court to make sure it stops. Our attorneys filed a motion last night asking for a new hearing.

Here’s First Liberty attorney Ryan Gardner explaining more about our recent filing:

WATCH NOW »

Pastor Chris isn’t breaking any laws.

Just like other pastors and churches have done throughout history, Pastor Chris is legally keeping his church open to care for those who walk through its doors.

What’s being done to Dad’s Place Church is wrong. Houses of worship in America should not be punished for serving the most vulnerable.

But the city has made it clear: this fight is far from over.

Thanks to your support, we successfully defended Pastor Chris and Dad’s Place earlier this year.

Now it’s time to stand and fight back against the City of Bryan again.

Can Pastor Chris and this church count on you?