by Jorge Gomez • 1 minute
Anchor Stone Christian Church just got some great news.
The church had filed a federal lawsuit earlier this year, but now the City of Santa Ana, California and the church have reached a settlement. The congregation will be able use its facilities for religious services.
Even better, the city will pay Anchor Stone $640,000 and expedite approvals and permits necessary for the church to use its building.
So, in addition to getting its religious liberty and rights restored, the church is also being made whole financially. That’s a big deal.
As the congregation grew, Anchor Stone purchased a property to provide a better home for its members. But the property sat vacant for two years. They were unable to renovate and couldn’t hold worship services or host events for the community. The delay cost them more than $500,000.
First Liberty and law firm O’Melveny & Myers filed a federal lawsuit, explaining that preventing a church from worshipping in a facility it purchased is unconstitutional.
“We are grateful that the city’s agreement will ensure that the church can proceed with remodeling the facility it needs to serve the community,” said First Liberty attorney Ryan Gardner. “Anchor Stone Christian Church simply wants to be able to use its property as always planned: as a church.”
“We appreciate the willingness of the city lawyers and staff in their help to negotiate this settlement,” said Timothy Durst, partner at O’Melveny & Myers. “The First Amendment and federal law protect the right of churches to operate free from unreasonable and intrusive government interference.”
What an impactful and meaningful victory! The church now has the freedom and the resources they need to live out their divinely inspired calling.
Their purchased office space will soon become 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 caring for the community through food drives and other outreach initiatives.
And it’s all thanks to YOU. This win would not have been possible without your support.
Your gifts to First Liberty make an enormous difference. Your donations certainly made a life-changing impact for everyone at Anchor Stone. It’s a victory for one congregation—but one that will touch the lives of so many people inside and outside the walls of the church.
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