A few weeks ago, I spoke to a church in New York City that is now vulnerable to eviction from the school building where they meet because they spoke of the wrong things -- religious things. As such, their speech is soon likely to be banned from NYC public school buildings that sit empty and unused on the weekend.
According to city officials, worship in a public facility -- when the schools are not even in session -- is too much mixing of church and state, so they've ordered dozens of churches evicted by Sunday, February 12.
I agree with most Americans who believe this is wrong-headed.
In a recent study by LifeWay Research, two-thirds of Americans believe public schools should rent to churches and other community groups. For that matter, school districts across the country have shown their agreement by renting to thousands of congregations every weekend.
Until recently, religious groups have been legally permitted equal access to public buildings in New York City. But recently the U.S. Supreme Court let stand the ruling of a lower court, which approved the New York City Department of Education's ban, opening up NYC churches to lawful eviction. So, legally the city government can enforce a ban, but just because it's legal doesn't mean it's best for our communities and our country. Keep reading
Related article: NYC Pastor on 40-Day Water-Only Fast to Protest School Worship Ban
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