A federal judge ruled that the Town of Castle Rock cannot enforce a land use code against The Rock evangelical church for providing temporary shelter for unhoused people on its property.
A federal judge ruled that the Town of Castle Rock cannot enforce a land use code against The Rock evangelical church for providing temporary shelter for unhoused people on its property.
U.S. District Court Judge Daniel D. Domenico handed down the ruling on Friday. The decision granted the church a preliminary injunction.
The church sued Castle Rock earlier this year after it received a "letter of determination" from the zoning manager stating that the church was violating zoning regulations and that it couldn't park RVs used as residences on site.
How is this church acting like it is above the law in this specific instance?
It used the legal system to get a preliminary injunction against the enforcement of town land use code. Seems like it followed the law and the process is playing out as intended.
This is one of the few instances I'm in favor of a church breaking the law. That law is unjust anyway and Jesus in the new testament consistently preaches that we should care for the sick, the needy and the homeless.
This church is trying to provide houses for homeless people. Christianity started out being pretty unpopular with the law but that hasn't stopped them because laws don't define morality. I suppose if you don't want the church housing the homeless you can always invite them to your house.
I mean the whole point of giving churches a tax break is that they're supposed to provide value to the community that is greater than any taxes could be. Most churches don't, though, and instead are a drain on the communities instead. At least this one is doing what they're suppose to do with those tax breaks.
And this is probably the only time I've had reason to defend an evangelical church, ever.