First Liberty



We just secured a big win for Pastor Chris Avell and Dad's Place
Church in Bryan, Ohio.

Today, a panel of judges on the Court of Appeals of Ohio, Sixth
Appellate District, issued an opinion preventing city officials from
shutting down the church's ministry and religious activities. In
a thorough and well-reasoned order, the state appeals court said the
lower trial court got it wrong when it ruled against our client and
sent the case back down for reconsideration.

The decision allows Dad's Place to continue its temporary
shelter ministry as the civil lawsuit continues. Compelled by his
faith, Pastor Chris keeps the church open 24/7 to minister and serve
anyone who needs help or a place to stay out of the cold.

For over two years, the city has been aggressively attacking the
church in court, including alleged zoning violations,
middle-of-the-night fire inspections, police antagonism, and even
filing criminal charges against Pastor Chris.

Watch Kelly Shackelford Speak on the Decision:
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"We are grateful that the Court recognizes the weighty issues of
Constitutional law at issue and has ensured that Dad's Place can
continue operating its vital ministry as temperatures begin to drop in
Bryan," said Jeremy Dys, Senior Counsel at First Liberty.
"Religious exercise like serving the most vulnerable in our
communities deserves the highest protection afforded by the First
Amendment."

This ruling is a major win, but this fight isn't over yet. The
case is being sent back to trial court, and we still have a lot of
work ahead to secure a full and complete victory.

Stand for Your First Liberty Today
$100,000 Challenge Grant Multiplies Your Impact
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Pastor Chris and the people of Dad's Place need your continued
support in the next phase of their legal battle.

Can they count on you?

Right now, you can multiply the impact of your gift with our $100,000
Giving Tuesday Challenge Grant. Your gift today will ensure that we
can keep fighting for faith and delivering freedom for courageous
clients like Pastor Chris.

But you must act by December 2nd to take advantage of this incredible
giving opportunity.

Together, we can stop the hostility towards Pastor Chris and
Dad's Place.

Yes, I'll make a gift today! >>
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