Why Churches Don't Have to be Wimps

What's the greatest hurdle today for churches wishing to build or expand? This question was asked at a pastors conference and their near unanimous answer was surprising. No, it was not lack of members or lack of funds. Instead, it was land use restrictions by uncooperative local governments that proved to be the greatest hurdle to church growth today. However, as a church in DePere, Wisconsin learned, new churches no longer have to be unreasonably stopped by local governments. New Life Christian Fellowship had been denied a permit to use an old furniture store building it had acquired and intended to use as a church. Although there was at least one other church in the area that had recently been granted a use permit, New Life's application was denied by the City of DePere on the rationale that the church's intended use of its building was incompatible with the surrounding downtown area.

But this church did not take this rejection lying down. Oh, no. With the assistance of a Pacific Justice Institute affiliate attorney, a lawsuit was filed on behalf of the church alleging multiple violations of the new Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act. The City of DePere soon recognized the error of their ways and not only allowed the church to use its downtown building, but also decided to adopt much more church friendly zoning ordinances.

The City of DePere was wise to settle and not engage in a costly court battle. Our sincere hope is that other local governments across the country will learn from this episode and not arrogantly presume that they will go unchallenged whenever they deny people of religious faith their protected legal rights. If your church is facing hurdles to its growth from local governments, please feel free to contact us at the Pacific Justice Institute for free legal assistance. Our web site is www.pacificjustice.org.