Worthy Christian News > Christian > Ohio Pastor Who Shelters Homeless At His Church Is Fined, Sentenced to Suspended Jail Term For Violation of Fire Code

Ohio Pastor Who Shelters Homeless At His Church Is Fined, Sentenced to Suspended Jail Term For Violation of Fire Code

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – A pastor in Ohio has been fined $200 and sentenced to a 60-day suspended jail term after being convicted of violating a municipal fire code order at his church.

Pastor Chris Avell of Dad’s Place Church in Bryan, Ohio has been engaged in a lengthy legal dispute with city officials over his desire to provide temporary shelter for homeless people in his church building. The city has argued that Avell’s building is not up to code for overnight shelters, despite his efforts to make it so.

Bryan Municipal Court judge Kent North stayed the sentence for 30 days for an appeal to be filed. Moreover, the Court of Appeals of Ohio, Sixth Appellate District, recently issued a stay allowing Dad’s Place to stay open.

“No pastor in America, including Pastor Chris Avell, should be pronounced guilty for providing temporary shelter to those in desperate need,” Ryan Gardner, Counsel for the First Liberty legal group representing Avell, said in a press release. “Only government officials could say with a straight face that people are safer in the sub-zero temperatures on the street than inside the warmth of a church.”

“For over a year, the City of Bryan, Ohio has been aggressively attacking the church in court, including alleged zoning violations, middle-of-the-night fire inspections, police antagonism, and even criminal charges filed against the church’s pastor,” Gardner stated. “And while city officials demand the church install an expensive fire suppression system, the city does not require all of its motels, most of its apartment complexes, and even a senior living facility to install fire suppression systems in their buildings.”

Responding to Avell’s sentencing, Bryan Mayor Carrie Schlade said in a statement: “The City of Bryan wishes to remind the public that the ongoing legal challenges regarding Dad’s Place have been in progress since October 2023. The city remains committed to addressing homelessness within the community and continues to collaborate with appropriate agencies.”

“At the same time, the city is dedicated to upholding laws related to public safety, particularly fire code enforcement, which is critical to ensuring the well-being of all residents,” Schlade continued. “The City of Bryan reiterates that no decision has been made to prevent Dad’s Place from operating as a church. However, the residential operations of the facility must cease until proper building and fire code applications are filed and approved by the State of Ohio. The city will continue to work with the appropriate agencies to address homelessness and support faith-based organizations in fulfilling their missions while ensuring the safety of the broader community,” Schlade added.