Ohio: Criminal Charges Dropped Against Pastor Who Opened His Church To The Homeless

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – Municipal officials in Bryan, Ohio have decided to drop the criminal charges they brought against Chris Avell, a local pastor who opened his church to the homeless 24/7 in alleged breach of local zoning laws, the Christian Post reports.

The leader of Dad’s Place church in Bryan since its founding in 2018, Avell began keeping his church open for the unhoused 24/7 as the next door homeless shelter was often full and people were suffering in harsh winter weather. Avell ran afoul of local authorities who, discovering that people were sleeping in his church, cited him with18 zoning law violations, including not having requisite kitchen and laundry facilities, and having unsafe exits, CP reports.Criminal charges were eventually brought and Avell was last month arraigned in a municipal court where he pleaded not guilty to all charges.

However, the First Liberty Institute which represented Avell met with Bryan city officials who agreed to drop the charges against him on the condition that he stop allowing people to live at the church until he has the necessary building certifications and has installed the necessary safety measures, CP reports.

In a statement to CP, Avell said: “I am thankful to God, the city, and for everyone who has been praying for this day to come.Bryan is my home. I am eager to continue to serve God, my community, and the people I love.”

“Dad’s Place continues to be open 24/7 to minister to anyone who comes through the door at any time, day or night, and no one is being forced out without biblical cause,” Dad’s Place states on its Facebook page. “The mission and ministry has not changed.”

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