by Jayla Ward • 2 minutes
It’s time to renovate! We are happy to announce a win for our client Anchor Stone Christian Church. The city of Santa Ana, California agreed to approve the permits that will allow the congregation to begin renovating a property it purchased for worship services.
“Anchor Stone Church simply wants to be able to use its property as it always planned,” said Ryan Gardner, Senior Counsel for First Liberty. “We are grateful to the city for working with the church and look forward to having this settlement adopted.”
Since opening in 2018, the congregation has grown from an in-home prayer group to about 50 people. They bought a property to renovate and provide a better home for church members. The city assured the church there would be no obstacles with permits.
But then the city rejected Anchor Stone’s application. The property sat vacant for two years. They were unable to renovate, they couldn’t hold worship services or host events for the community. The delay cost the congregation more than $500,000.
In February, First Liberty and law firm O’Melveny & Myers filed a federal lawsuit against the city, explaining that preventing a “church from worshipping in a facility they purchased is a flagrant denial of the free exercise of their religious activities.” In April, the Department of Justice submitted a statement of interest in the case.
Getting the permit granted is a huge victory. The office space will soon be a place where they can sing, pray and hear God’s Word. The church will also be able to fulfill its mission to spread the Gospel throughout Orange County, as well as serving and caring for the community.
“We have consistently demonstrated our commitment to the community through food donation drives that serve our low-income neighbors weekly,” one of the church’s leaders said to the court. “By establishing our roots here, we believe we can contribute even more to the city, addressing not only physical needs but also nurturing spiritual life with God’s love and the teaching of the Gospel.”
Anchor Stone sent this note to First Liberty and YOU, our faithful supporters:
On behalf of our church family, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your tireless work, wisdom and faithful support throughout this legal battle.
Your commitment to justice, your professional excellence, and your willingness to stand with us through prayer, strategy and perseverance have led us to this important and hard-earned victory. This was never just a legal case—it was a spiritual journey and a testimony of God’s faithfulness and your steadfast dedication.
Thank you for being instruments of God’s provision and protection. We know how much effort, energy and sacrifice this took, and we do not take it for granted. Your partnership has not only upheld the mission and values of our church but has also strengthened our faith and unity as a community.
May the Lord bless you abundantly for all you’ve done. We look forward to continuing to walk together in God’s purposes.
Thank you for supporting First Liberty. This win would not have been possible without you. Your support makes all the difference for Anchor Stone and houses of worship all across America that simply want the opportunity to serve God and their communities.
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