Lawsuit Filed against City of Terrell: Church Banned from Meeting in City Building

Plano, TX- A lawsuit was filed today against the City of Terrell for its policy prohibiting churches from using city-owned buildings. In February, a letter was sent asking the City to comply with the law and allow for a Church to continue holding voluntary and non-disruptive church activities at the public facility, but they have been unwilling to do so.

“Government officials may not discriminate against churches. We will do everything in our power to stop this discrimination,” said Kelly Shackelford, Chief Counsel with Liberty Legal Institute.

Purpose Life Church entered into an agreement with the Kaufman County YMCA in December 2003, to use the public facility on weekends. Pastor Michael Feltis and his Church conducted services for three weeks until the City of Terrell required the YMCA to deny access to the Church. The City implemented its policy prohibiting church activities to take place in any city-owned buildings, including the public building leased by the Kaufman County YMCA.

“It’s troubling that the City has singled out churches for unfair treatment. I doubt the good of the people of Terrell agree with this discrimination,” said Brad Lamberth, lead attorney on the case.