By Austen Erblat | CBS Colorado
A Colorado church that sued the Town of Castle Rock over its ability to shelter homeless people on church grounds saw a win in court on Friday after a federal judge granted the church a preliminary injunction against the town.
The Rock Church has sheltered homeless people in RVs on its property since 2019, calling it their religious duty to help those in need. But on at least three separate occasions, in 2021, 2022 and again in 2023, town officials blocked their efforts, saying they violated zoning laws. The church, in response, said this violated its 1st Amendment rights to religious freedom, as well as the Religious Land Use And Institutionalized Persons Act.
In January, the church sued the town.
“The Holy Bible specifically and repeatedly directs faithful Christians like the Church’s members to care for the poor and needy out of compassion and mercy for those who are experiencing significant misfortune and hardship,” the church wrote in court filings.