Church Files Lawsuit against City of McKinney

Plano, TX- Today, Grace Community Church of North Texas filed a lawsuit against the City of McKinney regarding the City’s prohibition of the Church’s meeting in a private residence. The lawsuit comes after a demand letter was sent to the City requesting it amend its policy prohibiting the Church from meeting in a private residence.

“The City is violating both the U.S. Constitution, the Texas Constitution, federal law and state law. The City cannot wrongfully deny homeowners the right to conduct worship services in the privacy of their own living rooms,” said Jeff Mateer, an attorney affiliated with Liberty Legal Institute.

The Church is a small group of congregants that were meeting at their pastor’s home. A visit by the Code Enforcement Officer on May 12, 2004, stopped church members from participating in the Church meetings. The officer informed the residents that holding a worship service inside their home was a violation of City code and that either they stop holding meetings, move to another location or face fines.

“The Church has done all it can to avoid a lawsuit. The City of McKinney seems committed to violating the Church’s rights and won’t even talk to them or respond to our letter. It’s sad,” said Kelly Shackelford, Chief Counsel with Liberty Legal Institute.

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