A recent ruling from the Ohio Sixth Appellate District has brought relief to Pastor Chris Avell and his church, Dad’s Place, as they continue their mission to serve the homeless community in Bryan, Ohio. The appellate court has temporarily halted a lower court’s decision that imposed a fine and a suspended jail sentence on Avell for operating a 24/7 homeless ministry at his church.
The legal issues began when a Bryan Municipal Court judge ordered Pastor Avell to pay a $200 fine and face a 60-day suspended jail sentence for keeping his church open around the clock to provide shelter and support for those in need. This ruling sparked outrage and concern among advocates for religious freedom and community service.
First Liberty Institute, a prominent religious liberty law firm, has been representing Avell throughout this ordeal. According to Senior Counsel Jeremy Dys, the court’s decision to stay the sentence is a significant acknowledgment of the strong case for appeal. "We are grateful to the court for granting this stay and will continue to fight until city officials in Bryan abandon their harassment of Dad’s Place and Pastor Chris," Dys stated.
The situation escalated when city officials accused the church of zoning violations, leading to what First Liberty described as aggressive legal actions against the ministry. The church faced unexpected fire inspections, and its operations were scrutinized under what many see as a double standard. For instance, while the city demanded that Dad’s Place install costly fire suppression systems, similar requirements were not enforced on local motels or apartment complexes.
Ryan Gardner from First Liberty expressed disbelief at the criminal charges against Avell, emphasizing that the pastor was simply fulfilling his calling to care for the needy. “I have never seen a pastor get criminally charged for doing the work that the church does: caring for the needy, loving those who have no one else to love them, and seeking and saving the lost,” Gardner remarked.
The legal battle began when Pastor Avell opened Dad’s Place in 2023, aiming to provide a safe haven for the homeless. After several months, the city filed 18 criminal charges against the church, which were later dropped in exchange for the church’s commitment to pursue necessary building permits and safety measures. However, the church faced renewed legal challenges following a surprise inspection in April 2024.
This case highlights ongoing tensions between local governments and religious organizations striving to serve their communities. As the appeal process unfolds, many are watching closely to see how this situation will impact religious freedom and community service initiatives across the country.
For those interested in supporting religious freedom, organizations like First Liberty Institute provide resources and advocacy for cases like that of Pastor Avell.
As this story continues to develop, it serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by those who seek to live out their faith through service, and the importance of standing up for the rights of religious organizations to operate freely in their communities.