Celebration Church

First Liberty protects equal access for large, growing church’s satellite campus in Austin, TX.

Celebration Church is a nondenominational “megachurch” located in Georgetown, Texas north of Austin. Joe and Lori Champion founded Celebration Church in 2000 and serve as senior pastor and co-pastor, respectively. Celebration Church recently launched a satellite location at the Austin Independent School District’s (AISD) Performing Arts Center (PAC) in Austin’s Mueller neighborhood. Under pressure from various interest groups, AISD announced it was reconsidering the rental policy for the PAC. First Liberty Institute and Texas Values provided counsel to Celebration Church. After Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s guidance to AISD concerning its responsibilities under the law, Celebration Church may continue to use the PAC just like any other community organization.

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PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: September 25, 2018
Contact: Lacey McNiel, media@firstliberty.org
Cell: 972-941-4453

AISD: Austin Church May Continue to Rent School Facility for Services for Now

Austin Independent School District agrees to the use of its facility by community organizations like the Austin church

Austin, TX—Following assurances from the Austin Independent School District (AISD) that Celebration Church of Georgetown Texas may continue to rent its Mueller Performing Arts Center, First Liberty Institute, which, along with Texas Values, represents the church, released the following statement from Lea Patterson, Associate Counsel to First Liberty, regarding the relationship between Celebration Church and the Austin Independent School District:

Celebration Church is proud to partner with the AISD in its efforts to support and improve its community. We are thankful the AISD has followed the law, as explained by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office, and we look forward to a prosperous relationship between all members of the Austin community.

On Tuesday morning, AISD officials informed Celebration Church leadership that it would be permitted to rent its facility on a month-to-month basis, just like other community organizations in Austin.

Celebration Church Senior Pastor Joe Champion also said:

We are proud to support the excellent work of the AISD and are thankful that all community organizations like Celebration Church have equal opportunity to use the Performing Arts Center. As an organization that loves and welcomes everyone in the community of Austin, we look forward to a long-term relationship with the AISD and supporting the school board in whatever way possible.

Jonathan Saenz, Attorney for Texas Values, said:

Austin ISD is right to welcome valuable community members like Celebration Church to the use of its facilities as a valuable, equal partner in the community. Churches are crucial community partners, here in Austin and across the great State of Texas.

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About First Liberty Institute

First Liberty Institute is the largest legal organization in the nation dedicated exclusively to defending religious freedom for all Americans.

To arrange an interview, contact Lacey McNiel at media@firstliberty.org or by calling 972-941-4453.

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