[5]
By Oregon Tax News [6],
An Episcopal Church and its diocese gained national attention after suing the city whose officials limited the number of meals they can serve each week to the needy. St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church and the Episcopal Diocese of Oregon filed a federal lawsuit against the city of Brookings, Ore., a town of 6,700, saying its local ordinance restricting the distribution of free meals to two a week violates their religious freedom, a right protected by the U.S. constitution, according to National Public Radio [7]. Rev. Bernie Lindley said the church has provided up to 70 homeless people with free meals six days a week, and it has no intention of stopping, abandoning local people who need help. It also provides Covid-19 vaccinations and testing.
The city’s mayor and city manager didn’t respond to requests for comment.