News Release
For Immediate Release: 1.21.25
Contact: John Manning, media@firstliberty.org
Direct: 972-941-4453
Breaking: Pastor of Dad’s Place Found Guilty of Criminal Charge for Keeping Church Doors Open 24 Hours-a-Day
Guilty verdict comes after relentless opposition from the City of Bryan, Ohio and as temperatures in area dip to near zero.
Bryan, OH—Today, Pastor Chris Avell of Dad’s Place Church in Bryan, Ohio was found guilty of a criminal charge regarding a fire code violation filed against him by city officials. The year-long battle with the City of Bryan that has continuously attempted to shut down the church, Dad’s Place, resulted in a conviction for the caring pastor. Pastor Avell was fined $200 and given a 60-day suspended jail sentence. The judge stayed his decision for 30-days to allow the Avell’s attorneys to appeal.
“No pastor in America, including Pastor Chris Avell, should be pronounced guilty for providing temporary shelter to those in desperate need,” said Ryan Gardner, Counsel for First Liberty. “Only government officials could say with a straight face that people are safer in the sub-zero temperatures on the street than inside the warmth of a church.”
Dad’s Place is a church in northwest Ohio that operates 24-hours a day to serve the most vulnerable in its community. For over a year, the City of Bryan, Ohio has been aggressively attacking the church in court, including alleged zoning violations, middle-of-the-night fire inspections, police antagonism, and even criminal charges filed against the church’s pastor. And while city officials demand the church install an expensive fire suppression system, the city does not require all of its motels, most of its apartment complexes, and even a senior living facility to install fire suppression systems in their buildings.
The Court of Appeals of Ohio, Sixth Appellate District, recently issued a stay against the city in their lawsuit against Dad’s Place, allowing the church to continue operating.
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About First Liberty Institute
First Liberty Institute is a non-profit public interest law firm and the largest legal organization in the nation dedicated exclusively to defending religious freedom for all Americans.
To arrange an interview, contact John Manning at media@firstliberty.org or by calling 972-941-4453.
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