BRYAN, Ohio — The case against a Bryan pastor who faced criminal charges for running his church as a shelter for the unhoused has been dropped, according to a court document filed Tuesday.
In turn, Dad's Place said they have agreed to cease residential operations and seek proper building certifications, and zoning permits for the operations it plans to pursue. They will also work on the installation of any safety measures associated with those permits.
Chris Avell faced nearly two dozen criminal charges for keeping his church open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The charges included zoning violations for running a church that sheltered the unhoused, to which he pleaded not guilty in January.
Bryan's police chief said it is illegal to use the first floor of buildings for residential purposes where Dad's Place is located.
“I am thankful to God, the city, and for everyone who has been praying for this day to come,” Pastor Avell said. “Bryan is my home. I am eager to continue to serve God, my community, and the people I love.”
“The city of Bryan appreciates the willingness of Dad’s Place to work with the city to resolve the parties’ differences amicably and to ensure that the services provided by Dad’s Place are delivered in a safe manner," Bryan Mayor Carrie Schlade said. "The parties continue to work together in a concerted effort to bring the case to a final resolution.”
Attorneys for Dad's Place said that they met with officials with the City of Bryan on Feb. 1 in U.S. District Court to discuss disputes between the two parties and will continue to work together "seeking to find common ground in an effort to settle the pending lawsuit."
“We are grateful that the City of Bryan has dropped the criminal charges against Pastor Avell,” Jeremy Dys, senior counsel at First Liberty said. “Ministries like Dad’s Place provide vital public services to their communities. We will continue our conversations with city officials in hopes that we can find a final resolution where Dad’s Place can continue to serve those in need in its community.”
“The city has always focused on health and safety and we are grateful that the parties are working towards a solution," Marc Fishel, Bryan city attorney said.
Dad's Place began helping the unhoused in March. However, in November, city officials issued an ultimatum to the church to stop operating 24 hours a day or face legal penalties.
EARLIER COVERAGE: Pastor says he feels no guilt over his decision to shelter the homeless during a winter storm
After the church refused, city officials "began engaging in a campaign to harass, intimidate and shut down Dad's Place," according to attorneys for Dad's Place.
On Jan. 22, Dad's Place filed a federal lawsuit and motion to get a temporary restraining order against the city and its officials.
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