First Liberty is fighting for The Rock—a church in Castle Rock, Colorado. They operate a ministry that temporary shelters people in need. But the town is trying to stop the church from giving the homeless a place to stay.
To care for people, Pastor Mike Polhemus and The Rock have several ministries including food distribution, job training and financial assistance.
As part of its effort, the church uses two RVs to provide temporary shelter to help people transition from homelessness to a permanent solution that includes a job and their own residence. The RVs are parked on a large, back parking lot on part of the church’s 54-acre property and are more than 300 feet from any residential property.
But the Town of Castle Rock says the temporary shelter ministry violates zoning ordinances and is calling for an end to the mercy ministry efforts. It has essentially decided that it’s illegal to offer temporary shelter to the homeless, but okay to let them live on the cold, hard streets.
What’s being done to this church isn’t just wrong. It’s illegal. The Constitution and federal law protect against government officials bent on intimidating churches that are using their property as a trusted place of safety for the most vulnerable.
First Liberty is fighting for the church in federal court to stop the town from abusing its code. In a critical first victory, a federal judge granted an injunction that will allow the church to keep the ministry going, at least while the case works its way through the courts.
But this legal battle isn’t over. There’s still work ahead to fully ensure this church can fulfill its mission and care for those in need of temporary shelter.
How can my church proactively protect its legal right to operate according to its beliefs? What steps can we take? First Liberty’s guidance has helped churches and synagogues implement policies designed to maximize their rights under the law and shield them from unforeseen legal threats.
This FREE resource from our legal experts summarizes our recommendations to protect your ministry.
– First Liberty Senior Counsel, Jeremy Dys
The Rock is doing a tremendous labor of love and service for the most vulnerable. Its ministry and charitable work are changing and saving people’s lives.
That’s the story of Joe Ridenour. The Rock offered Joe a place where he belonged. With their help, the safety of an old RV, and the love of a community of Christians, drug addiction no longer lays claim to Joe. He is free. More than that, he is a productive member of the community, gainfully employed and living in a place of his own.
Rather than punishing this church, the town ought to be praising them. Here is a church committed to helping one person at a time—an entire community walking with a guy like Joe every day—helping him go from a drain on taxpayer resources to a productive neighbor.
“From the very beginning of this ministry, we’ve only ever wanted to obey our call to reach out, serve, and love the needy around us,” said Pastor Mike.
With your support, we can win this case. It would mean so much to the Pastor, the church as well as those who are suddenly displaced, including single moms and children who rely on this ministry. And by winning for this church, you’re also going to help protect religious freedom for every American, including YOU.
The Rock needs your support. Please give to First Liberty today.
*If contributions exceed the immediate needs of a specific project or case, First Liberty may redirect funds at its discretion to provide support for other religious liberty matters.
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