In a surprising turn of events, the Toms River Council in New Jersey has initiated proceedings to acquire the 11-acre campus of Christ Episcopal Church, a historic parish with roots dating back 160 years. This move comes at a time when the church is seeking to establish a 17-bed shelter for the homeless, stirring up significant controversy within the community.
During a heated council meeting on April 30, members voted 4-3 to advance a plan that could see the town purchase the church property and five other sites, potentially through eminent domain, to create two new public parks. Mayor Daniel Rodrick has been vocal about his vision for the area, which includes plans for pickleball courts, a soccer field, a playground, and a skate park, rather than focusing on the pressing issue of homelessness.
The Rev. Lisa A. Hoffman, rector of Christ Church, expressed her dismay at the council’s actions, stating, "It’s just really shocking and surprising and very disappointing." She highlighted that the church was not given prior notice about the ordinance, which she believes does not constitute a legitimate reason for seizing their property.
The church’s efforts to open a shelter for the homeless are currently pending approval from the local zoning board, which is set to vote on May 22. Just days later, on May 28, the council will host a public hearing regarding the land acquisition ordinance, raising concerns about the timing of these events.
Attorney Michael York, representing the church, has criticized the council’s actions as being driven by ulterior motives. He suggested that the ordinance serves as a pretext to obtain church property and warned of potential legal repercussions for any officials involved in what he termed "bad faith actions." York noted that the Episcopal Church’s Dennis Canon, which holds parish property in trust for the diocese and national church, could complicate any attempts at condemnation.
The council meeting was marked by tension and impassioned speeches from both council members and residents. Some attendees shared personal stories of homelessness and the vital support they received from churches, emphasizing the need for compassion rather than the pursuit of recreational facilities. One resident, Angie Feldman, cautioned the council, saying, "When you start messing with his children, you’ve got a lot of trouble."
Christ Episcopal Church is not just a place of worship; it serves as a hub for community support, hosting over 20 support groups, providing a food pantry, and running a weekly clothing giveaway. The church also collaborates with organizations like the Affordable Housing Alliance, which has successfully rehoused over 130 families in its first year of operation.
This situation mirrors ongoing debates across the country regarding the treatment of homeless individuals and the role of churches in providing shelter and support. Recently, a state appellate court in Bryan, Ohio, paused a lower court’s decision to penalize a pastor for keeping his church open to shelter the homeless, highlighting the ongoing struggle for religious freedom and community service.
As the council prepares for the upcoming public hearing, the community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes compassion and support for those in need. The fate of Christ Episcopal Church and its mission to serve the homeless hangs in the balance, reminding us all of the importance of community, faith, and the call to help one another in times of need.
For more information on the intersection of faith and community service, you can visit the National Alliance to End Homelessness and Episcopal News Service.