Texas Church Can Meet in Local YMCA; Lawsuit Dropped
by Allie Martin
November 1, 2004
(AgapePress) - A lawsuit against a Texas city has been dropped after officials agreed to allow a church to continue to meet in government-owned property.The lawsuit was filed by Liberty Legal Institute (LLI) against the city of Terrell, Texas, when the city banned the YMCA of Kaufman County from renting its facility to the Purpose Life Church. The city manager's office had stated earlier this year that city policy prohibited churches from renting city property. But as Kelly Shackelford of Liberty Legal explains, the city has since changed its position.
"They've not only reversed themselves and [said] this church will be allowed to meet and have their church services, but they've also said they have a city policy now that makes clear that no discrimination against churches is allowed in any way -- including in the rental of government facilities," the LLI president says.
Shackelford contends many government officials across the country have "very wrong and strong misconceptions" about freedom of religion.
"They get this term -- 'separation of church and state,' which is not in the Constitution -- in their brain, and they think that it's their duty to not allow churches to use government facilities just like everyone else," he says. "And unfortunately, most churches sit by and let this happen."
The attorney says it is important for churches like the Purpose Life Church to stand up not only for their own rights, but the rights of churches nationwide. He emphasizes that "government officials have no authority to prevent churches from renting public buildings."
The Department of Justice had opened an investigation into the matter. Shackelford says he expects that investigation will now be closed.
