The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has stepped into a significant legal battle involving a church in California, raising eyebrows and sparking discussions about religious freedom and local governance. The case centers around Anchor Stone Christian Church, which is challenging the city of Santa Ana over what it claims are discriminatory zoning laws that disproportionately impact religious organizations.
On March 17, 2025, the DOJ filed a statement of interest in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. This legal maneuver comes in response to Anchor Stone’s lawsuit against Santa Ana, which alleges that the city’s zoning regulations violate the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) of 2000. The church argues that these regulations favor secular entities over religious ones, creating an unfair playing field.
The crux of the issue lies in section § 41-313 of Santa Ana’s zoning code, which imposes stringent requirements on churches wishing to operate in a "professional district." Unlike secular establishments like museums and art galleries, churches are required to undergo a lengthy and costly conditional use permit process. This disparity has led to claims of religious discrimination, prompting the DOJ’s involvement.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph McNally emphasized the importance of equal treatment under the law, stating, “Zoning practices that unfairly limit assemblies by faith-based groups violate federal law.” The DOJ’s position is clear: municipalities cannot impose regulations that treat houses of worship more harshly than comparable secular assemblies.
In July 2023, Anchor Stone Christian Church, primarily comprised of members from Chinese and Taiwanese backgrounds, applied for a permit to move into a 99-seat building located in the city’s professional district. However, the city’s Planning Commission recommended the rejection of the permit, a decision that was later upheld by the City Council. This led to the church’s legal action, with support from the First Liberty Institute and the law firm O’Melveny & Myers LLP. Their lawsuit argues that the city’s actions constitute a substantial burden on the church’s religious exercise, a violation of RLUIPA.
The church’s struggle is not just a legal matter; it has tangible effects on its community. As stated in the lawsuit, the inability to gather for worship has led to a decline in tithing and stagnation in membership growth. This situation highlights the broader implications of zoning laws on religious practices and community cohesion.
In a related case, the DOJ recently filed a statement of interest on behalf of The Hope Rising Community Church in Pennsylvania, which is also facing challenges from local authorities regarding property acquisition. These actions reflect a growing trend of federal support for religious organizations facing obstacles in their efforts to operate freely.
City officials in Santa Ana have acknowledged the DOJ’s involvement and are currently reviewing the statement. As this case unfolds, it will be interesting to see how the court balances local zoning laws against the rights of religious institutions. The outcome could set a significant precedent for how cities across the nation regulate religious entities and their ability to thrive within their communities.
For those interested in the intersection of faith and law, this case serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing struggle for religious freedom in America. As congregations like Anchor Stone Christian Church seek to establish their presence in their communities, the implications of this legal battle will resonate far beyond the courtroom.
Stay updated on this developing story and other important news affecting the Christian community by subscribing to reputable Christian news outlets. The fight for religious freedom is ongoing, and every voice matters in this crucial conversation.