THE PASTOR FROM OHIO WAS CHARGED WITH HOUSING THE HOMELESS IN THE, CHURCH.

 By Jon Brown, Christian Post Reporter Friday, January 12, 2024

Pastor Chris Avell (L) and his attorney Jeremy Dys (R) speak to reporters outside Bryan Municipal Court in Bryan, Ohio, on Jan. 11, 2023. | First Liberty Institute

A pastor from Ohio was indicted in a city court on Thursday on 18 counts of zoning violations for keeping his church open to accommodate the homeless.

The attorney for Pastor Chris Avell, who serves as a non-denominational pastor in Bryan, a town of 8,400 people about 50 miles southwest of Toledo, told The Christian Post he pleaded not guilty to the charges.

"He pleaded'not guilty', as should any pastor who simply did what the church has done throughout history: guard those who walk through their doors at any time of the day," said Jeremy Dys, senior counsel at First Liberty Institute. "Yesterday, the city of Bryan, Ohio, indicted Pastor Chris on criminal charges because his church is open 24/7."

"We hope Mayor Carrie Schlade will drop all of these allegations and start talking to us about how Pastor Chris' Place and pastor will continue to contribute to the wonderful Bryan community."

CP asked Schlade questions and got a response from City Police Chief Gregory Ruskey, who circulated a press release from the police department on December 13 stating that on November 3, the city's zoning and engineering department "received complaints about people living" at Dad's place.

The court ruled that the father's residence was prohibited from eating, washing clothes, or sleeping in the building because it was considered a business center

According to the Ruskey-signed release, a state law "supports [that] religious organizations cannot create homeless shelters within their properties in violation of local zoning codes."

In addition, Ruskey stated that there are "many state fire code violations that tenants and property owners are aware of."

The owner and tenant of the property are given sufficient time to resolve the issue. The statement stated that the city began filing charges because of the safety of all involved.

Avell dismissed allegations that he ran a homeless shelter in an interview with the Village Voice, saying that his church "incorporated things that people could use, like showers and a little ability to do laundry."

He said, "Some of the people who took this as a home for them have survived."

According to the First Liberty Institute, because local homeless shelters in the vicinity are often full, forcing some of the city's homeless to stay outside, Avell decided last March to keep his church open around the clock. He stated that his church could help at least a hundred people who faced the problem of homelessness.

The director of operations at the homeless shelter asylum in Williams County reportedly supported the Avell church's actions, according to the First Liberty Institute.

The director stated, "There is nowhere else for these people in Williams County to go. The city, the church, and the community at large must work together. We must work together to help people in need." About 600 people have to be relocated every year.

When Fox News recently interviewed Avell about her situation and the motivations behind her decision to assist people who have nowhere to live in the area, Avell became very emotional.

She said, "He weighed down my heart for them. I was spiritually homeless, and the Lord provided a home for me in heaven." Their families and communities have gotten rid of many of these people. Who would sacrifice their lives for them if the church would not? We were assigned to do this.

And I can't help it because I believe that the church's job is to make disciples, and that's how we do it by showing the love of Christ by preaching the truth and giving our lives in humility and service, just as Christ gave his life for us. "That's my opinion," he said.

Local WTVG reported that the guest judge handling Avell's case requested an additional hearing be scheduled within 30 to 45 days.

Jon Brown is the Christian Post's news correspondent. Send your news feedback to jon.brown@christianpost.com.

News Sources: https://www.christianpost.com/news/ohio-pastor-arraigned-after-being-charged-for-housing-homeless.html