Meanwhile, In Bryan, Ohio, Pastor Chris Avell of Dad’s Place Church has been found guilty of violating city fire codes by providing overnight shelter to homeless individuals during the harsh winter months.
“This is God’s home for the broken, for the hurting, for the lost, for the desperate. This is their home,” Avell said.
“We believe that God has called us to love the least of these.
We believe that this is the core mission of the church, to make disciples, to lay down our lives for those who are broken, hurting and needy.”
The conviction stems from the church’s lack of an automatic sprinkler system, a requirement for buildings serving as residential facilities.
“Pastor Avell has known that this was not permitted use and that he does not have firewalls, he does not have sprinkler systems,” said Bryan Mayor Carrie Schlade. “The kind of things you need in a residential facility. “
The legal dispute began in late 2023 when city officials charged Pastor Avell with multiple zoning and fire code violations, including inadequate kitchen and laundry facilities, unsafe exits, and insufficient ventilation.
In response, the church has filed a federal lawsuit alleging harassment by the city.
“No pastor in America, including Pastor Avell, should ever be found guilty for just trying to help other people and provide them temporary shelter,” Jeremy Dys, an attorney representing Avell, told The Associated Press.
“Only a seasoned government official would think it is a safer idea to put people in subzero temperatures on the street than allow them to find warmth inside of a church.”
Despite freezing temperatures, the court’s decision prohibits Dad’s Place Church from operating as a temporary shelter until it meets the necessary legal requirements.
Bryan Fire Department Chief Douglas Pool emphasized that the enforcement is solely about public safety and compliance with the fire code, not related to religious activities.
Pastor Avell’s attorney plans to appeal the decision, asserting that no pastor should be found guilty for providing temporary shelter to those in need.
The pastor could face up to 60 days in jail and a $200 fine if he continues operating the shelter without obtaining state approval confirming building code compliance.
