In a significant development, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has stepped into the legal fray supporting The Summit Church, led by former Southern Baptist Convention President J.D. Greear. This move comes in response to a lawsuit filed by the church against the Chatham County Board of Commissioners, alleging religious discrimination after the board rejected its application to rezone nearly 100 acres for a new campus in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
The legal battle highlights the ongoing challenges churches face in securing land for expansion and the complexities of local zoning laws. The Summit Church argues that the county’s decision violates its rights under the First and Fourteenth Amendments and the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA). The church is seeking a preliminary injunction to compel the county to approve its rezoning request, emphasizing that it has been treated differently compared to non-religious entities.
The county’s response has been to request the court dismiss the lawsuit, claiming governmental immunity and asserting that its zoning decision is a legislative act, which they argue falls outside the purview of RLUIPA. However, the church’s attorney, Keith E. Richardson, counters this by asserting that the rezoning action is administrative, which would indeed make it subject to RLUIPA’s protections.
In a statement supporting the church, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon emphasized the DOJ’s commitment to defending religious liberties, stating, "RLUIPA protects the rights of religious groups to exercise their faith free from the precise type of undue government interference exhibited here." This statement underscores the federal government’s role in upholding the rights of religious organizations against discriminatory practices.
The Summit Church has experienced significant growth, necessitating the need for additional space to accommodate its congregation. For years, the church operated out of East Chapel Hill High School, but as attendance swelled, it became clear that a permanent facility was essential. The church argues that the county’s zoning decision unfairly targets religious institutions, which could hinder its mission to serve the community effectively.
This lawsuit is not just about land; it’s a broader issue concerning the rights of religious organizations in America. The DOJ’s involvement signals a robust federal interest in ensuring that local governments do not impose undue burdens on religious practices. The department’s recent reminder to local leaders about their obligations under RLUIPA reinforces the importance of treating religious entities with the same respect and consideration as their secular counterparts.
Churches across the nation are watching this case closely, as its outcome could set a precedent for future zoning disputes involving religious organizations. The Summit Church’s fight for its rights is emblematic of the ongoing struggle for religious freedom in the United States.
As this situation unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the vital role that faith communities play in society and the importance of protecting their rights to worship and expand without unwarranted government interference. For those interested in following this case, updates will be crucial as they may impact similar situations nationwide.
For more information about the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, you can visit the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division.