ACLU Suit Challenges Zoning Limits On Church Use For Homeless Shelter

The ACLU of Pennsylvania announced yesterday that it has filed a federal lawsuit against North Coventry Township (PA) on behalf of Shenkel United Church of Christ challenging the township's refusal to permit the church to use its building to provide shelter to the homeless for a one month period. The church wished to take part in the "One Night at a Time Program" sponsored by Ministries at Main Street, but Township officials claimed that using the church building as a temporary homeless shelter would violate the Township's zoning law and building code. The complaint (full text) in Shenkel United Church of Christ v. North Coventry Township, (ED PA, filed 4/30/09), alleges that the township violated the church's rights under RLUIPA, the free exercise clause and the Pennsylvania Religious Freedom Protection Act. It contends that "Providing temporary, emergency shelter for people in need is a core religious ministry for Shenkel UCC."