News Release
For Immediate Release: 11.24.25
Contact: Natalie Konstans, media@firstliberty.org
Direct: 972-941-4453
Church Feeding Those in Need Reaches Settlement in Religious Discrimination Lawsuit
Church filed a federal lawsuit after City of San Luis blocked it from distributing food to the poor.
San Luis, AZ—First Liberty Institute and the law firm Snell and Wilmer L.L.P. announced a settlement with The City of San Luis on behalf of Gethsemani Baptist Church, a church in Yuma County with a mission to reach impoverished families by distributing food to the poor. Terms of the settlement were stated in a consent decree entered by a federal court in September.
“Gethsemani Baptist Church has only ever wanted to continue its 25-year mission of providing food for the hungry, hurting people in their community,” said Ryan Gardner, Senior Counsel for First Liberty Institute. “We are grateful that the city’s agreement will ensure that the church can carry on its ministry serving the vulnerable families in Yuma County.”
Ryan J. Regula, Partner at Snell and Wilmer L.L.P., stated, “The First Amendment protects the free exercise of religious expression, including Gethsemani’s compassionate ministry providing for those in need.” Charlene Warner of Snell and Wilmer L.L.P. added: “We are happy that we reached a favorable resolution to this case, and that all those at Gethsemani Baptist Church can proceed with their meaningful work.”
Pastor Jose Castro remarked, “I am thankful to God that I can continue serving my community. We hope to continue being a blessing to San Luis for many years.”
Since 1999, Gethsemani Baptist Church has operated its food ministry mere blocks from the Mexico border, sharing the Gospel as it distributes hundreds of thousands of pounds of food and other household items to the most vulnerable families in the surrounding areas. It is the only food ministry in the city serving desperate families. When a new mayor took office, the City ordered Pastor Castro to stop feeding the homeless and threatened him with civil and criminal citations if he did not stop. According to the complaint in 2024, “Defendants [wielded] City ordinances as a cudgel in a persistent lawfare campaign to stop the Church’s ministry activities. Their treatment of the Church [violated] both federal and Arizona law.” Now that an agreement with the City is in place, Gethsemani Baptist Church and Pastor Castro look forward to carrying out their compassionate mission undisturbed.
###
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 Natalie Konstans at media@firstliberty.org or by calling 972-941-4453.
 |
|
|
