First Liberty



We just received a troubling decision in our case involving Pastor
Chris of Dad's Place church in Bryan, Ohio. Their ministry helps
people in need in their community by keeping the church doors open
24/7.

A state judge in Ohio just ruled against the church. The decision
effectively forces Dad's Place to kick everyone out
immediately. 

Because of this ruling, the homeless who stay at the church will be
booted onto the cold, hard streets-at a time when the
temperature is well below freezing.

POLICE ARE EVEN EXPECTED TO SHOW UP AT THE CHURCH TO THROW EVERYONE
OUT.

Watch Senior Counsel Jeremy Dys explain what just happened:

Dad's Place Flash News Update | First Liberty

[link removed]

We are deeply discouraged at today's decision. It fails to address the
U.S. and Ohio Constitutions and it ignores the special treatment
Bryan's hotels, apartment complexes, and senior living facilities
receive, but Dad's Place does not. That's blatant religious
discrimination.

We grieve for the people who depend upon Dad's Place as the only place
around Bryan that will give them a place of temporary shelter. We will
continue this litigation on appeal. But for now, if Mayor Schlade,
Fire Chief Pool, and others believe it is unsafe to be inside
Dad's Place (it is not), they must figure out how to keep them
safe outside. It'll be 19 degrees tonight in Bryan.

Earlier this week, First Liberty was in court for Pastor Chris's
criminal trial. Yes, you read that correctly: a pastor is facing
criminal charges for keeping the church doors open to minister and
serve anyone who needs help. Our attorneys had to make their way
through driving snow and plummeting temperatures to get to the trial
this week.

Now, the people who depend on Dad's Place for shelter will have
to brave the bitter winter on their own. City officials clearly want
them out of Dad's Place, and they've even said as much.
But the city has never offered a plan for where they are supposed to
go. We doubt the city will open city hall to them and as the fire
chief testified this week, there's not another building in a
72-square mile radius around Bryan that can support the ministry of
Dad's Place.

Houses of worship do tremendous work to care for those others
overlook. This ministry and charitable work doesn't just change
people's lives, in many cases, it saves their lives.

But this city believes it's better for people who have nowhere
else to go to freeze on the snowy sidewalks than to allow a church to
be a church, help the Bryan community, and remain a welcoming place
for those who need it most.

The city's harassment and hostility toward this church is wrong
and illegal. It must stop. It's appalling when the mayor of a
city and local officials abuse their position to vindictively go after
Good Samaritans like Pastor Chris. This can't be allowed to
happen in America.

It's clear that Bryan officials will not rest until Pastor Chris
is in jail and Dad's Place ministry is completely shut down.
First Liberty isn't going to let that happen.

This legal battle is far from over. We're going to keep fighting
this case in court-and that means we need your continued
support.

Pastor Chris-and the people of Dad's Place-need your
help. Can they count on you? Your gift today can help our legal team
secure a victory that will protect this church from the city's
constant attacks.

Please give to First Liberty today.



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First Liberty Institute