Legalreligious Freedom News

Ohio City Drops Charges Against Pastor for Housing Homeless in Church

The city of Bryan, Ohio, has dropped all charges against Pastor Chris Avell, who allowed homeless people to stay at his church without city permission. The church filed a federal suit against the city on grounds of religious discrimination, arguing that providing food and shelter is a form of religious expression protected by the Constitution. The city dismissed the case and the church plans to continue offering temporary lodging while working with the city to meet safety codes. The city had pursued criminal charges due to zoning violations and safety concerns, but the church claims to have worked to resolve the violations and the pastor's suit against the city is ongoing.