News Release
For Immediate Release: 6.17.25
Contact: John Manning, media@firstliberty.org
Direct: 972-941-4453
Santa Ana City Council to Vote on Potential Settlement with California Taiwanese-American Church
If adopted, church will not be prevented from using its facility for religious services.
Santa Ana, CA—The Santa Ana, California City Council will vote today on a proposed settlement agreement reached with Anchor Stone Christian Church, a local congregation that has been prevented from using its facilities for religious services. In April, a federal court granted the church a preliminary injunction against the city’s actions. First Liberty Institute and the law firm O’Melveny & Myers represent Anchor Stone.
“Anchor Stone Church simply wants to be able to use its property as it always planned,” said Ryan Gardner, Senior Counsel for First Liberty Institute. “We are grateful to the city for working with the church and look forward to having this settlement adopted.”
Timothy Durst, partner at O’Melveny & Myers said, “The First Amendment and federal law protect the right of churches to operate free from unreasonable and intrusive government interference. We appreciate the willingness of the city lawyers and staff to negotiate this settlement and look forward to the council approving the deal.”
Anchor Stone is a Taiwanese-American Christian church that endeavors to spread the gospel to others in Santa Ana and throughout Orange County. Since its inception in 2018, the church has grown from an in-home prayer group to a 50-member congregation needing additional space. With assurance from the city that there would be no obstacles for using the property they intended to purchase for religious assembly, the church proceeded with the purchase. It was only after closing on the property that the city voiced objection and rejected Anchor Stone’s permit application. Since the denial up to the court’s April order, the property sat vacant for two years and the church had been unable to renovate or hold worship services in it.
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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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