One local church stepped up in a massive way by acting to help the homelessness in their town.
They were feeding hundreds each week; this noble act should have been encouraged, and even welcomed by city officials – but it wasn’t.
In fact, city council members actually voted to limit the number of times this church was “allowed” to feed the homeless – and just wait until you hear the details.
To start, what city with an out-of-control homelessness problem actually has the gall to try stopping those who volunteer their time to help feed people?!?
Brookings, Oregon.
St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church takes seriously Jesus’s command to care for the least of these, and they regularly provide a hot meal, clean shower, food bank, and even a COVID-19 vaccination clinic to help those who are struggling.
What a blessing!
Many area churches joined in the effort – until the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
Some churches suspended their meal programs, but instead of letting people go hungry, St. Timothy’s stepped-up their efforts in the most incredible way – feeding up to 70 people a day – 6 times a week!
Since the government was unable to care for those in need, the church rightfully assumed the role.
But then the unthinkable happened.
A vote took place in the local city council; city council members voted to LIMIT how often the church could feed people!
The city council approved an ordinance to create a permit for “benevolent meal service” – limiting meals to just twice per week, reported NPR.
St. Timothy’s was actually expected to STOP feeding those who are HUNGRY over a local ordinance.
Absolute insanity.
Thankfully, the church is standing up to the ridiculous ordiance – and fighting back – whatever the cost.
They’ve even filed a lawsuit against the city.
NPR reported:
“St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church and the Episcopal Diocese of Oregon say in a federal lawsuit against the city of Brookings that the ordinance limiting them to two free meal giveaways per week violates their constitutional right to free religious expression.
“We’ve been serving our community here for decades and picking up the slack where the need exists and no one else is stepping in,” the Rev. Bernie Lindley said in a statement.
“We have no intention of stopping now and we’re prepared to hold fast to our beliefs. We won’t abandon the people of Brookings who need our help, even when we’re being threatened,” he added.”
Good for them!
Only bureaucrats would try to stand in the way of a local church feeding people.
Politicians are always trying to interfere with the freedom for churches to live out their faith.
Thankfully, there are courageous churches who refuse to be bullied and who stand up for their religious liberties.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” – John 3:16-17
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