This past Tuesday as many of us were preparing for the Christmas holidays, Pastor Chris Avell was on trial for keeping Dad’s Place Church open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to serve his community’s most vulnerable.

And on Thursday, a state judge in an Ohio trial court ordered Dad’s Place to kick people out onto the streets, during freezing weather, who were seeking temporary shelter in the church as part of its overnight ministry.

In response, First Liberty along with the law firms Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP and Spengler Nathanson PLL filed the motion to stay the ruling by Judge J.T. Steltzer of the Williams County Court of Common Pleas.

But we weren’t the only ones alarmed by this ruling.

Late last night, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost submitted a friend-of-the-court brief supporting Dad’s Place.

In his brief, AG Yost suggests a stay is necessary “to both prevent imminent harm to Ohio citizens who are relying tonight on the warmth of the first floor of Dad’s Place to escape the cold, and to appropriately litigate the Ohio constitutional rights potentially implicated by the City of Bryan’s enforcement of its regulations.”

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost visits Pastor Chris Avell and Dad's Place Church

Jeremy Dys, Senior Counsel at First Liberty Institute said, “We are grateful for AG Yost’s leadership in defense of religious liberty for all Ohioans. He clearly understands the importance of respecting the free exercise of religion even when trying to enforce town ordinances.”

This legal battle is far from over. We’re going to keep fighting this case in court.

It’s clear that Bryan officials will not rest until Dad’s Place is completely shut down. First Liberty isn’t going to let that happen.

That’s why we will appeal this decision immediately and are thankful to have the support of leaders like AG Yost.

We’re also thankful for all of the encouragement we’ve received from supporters like you. We couldn’t fight for brave clients like Pastor Chris without you.

Please continue to pray for Chris, the congregation at Dad’s Place and those being served by this ministry.