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Judge says Phoenix church cannot feed homeless

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by Javier Soto and Catherine Holland

Posted on November 10, 2009 at 7:28 AM

Updated Tuesday, Nov 10 at 9:26 PM

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PHOENIX -- It's one of the many good deeds for which churches are known, but now a judge has ruled that feeding the homeless is against the law. The ruling is against CrossRoads United Methodist Church in north-central Phoenix and it says that the church is operating as a charity dining hall, which breaks a city zoning ordinance.

The area where the church is located -- Central and Northern avenues -- is zoned as primarily residential. Charity dining halls are considered businesses.

The controversy swirling around the church's weekly pancake worship service started last spring when neighbors complained about an increase in the number of homeless people in the neighborhood, panhandling, burglary, public intoxication and vandalism, among other things.

"We can minister to the poor ... that’s a given," wrote Rev. Dottie Escobedo-Frank on the CrossRoads Web site. "We can hold a worship service for them out on the front lawn. We just can’t feed them. We can’t fill their bellies with warm food. We might as well just go to the street corners and start handing out money, in hopes they will make their way to some food, because you are not allowed to do it at church!"

The decision affects all churches that are located in Phoenix residential areas.

CrossRoads, which maintains that it is operating as a church and not a charity dining hall, plans to appeal the decision. They have until Nov. 24 to do that.

 

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ruthy said on November 10, 2009 at 8:40 AM

That pompous-sounding "Suit" who stated that feeding homeless people once a week is a 'business', should be ashamed. Since when is Christian charity a business? Perhaps a "porta-potty" should have been considered, as a homeless person relieving him(her)self in view of others, isn't a good thing. Maybe that situation wasn't considered. Probably just as humiliating for the reliever, as it was offensive to the viewer. And we sometimes lose sight of the fact that these are homeless PEOPLE, who deserve a little charity, whether it's a meal, or compassion. (I think that "Suit" probably spends his Sunday mornings out on the golfcourse, instead of in CHURCH, where he might learn some lessons about tolerance and love of other PEOPLE, who are less fortunate than he is.)

thyorison said on November 10, 2009 at 9:03 AM

It attracts the "wrong kind of people." I've heard the same argument used against feeding pigeons. If there are two kinds of people, I choose to align myself with the "wrong kind". - Wrong Ray Smith PS http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=mary poppins feed the birds&hl=en&client=firefox-a&emb=0&aq=0sx&oq=Mary Poopins feed# Mary Poppins singing feed the birds.

shawnboles said on November 10, 2009 at 9:41 AM

Understanding the judge has ruled on behalf of the complaints of the people that voted him on the bench. 1. Although the First Amendment to the United States Constitution is part of the Bill of Rights. The amendment prohibits the Congress from making laws "respecting an establishment of religion", prohibiting the free exercise of religion, infringing on the freedom of speech and infringing on the freedom of the press. In the 20th century, the Supreme Court held that the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment applies the First Amendment to each state, including any local government. Including the presiding Judge. 2.What the Church is providing is a service. And not a business. And has been doing so before the First Amendments were ever established. Who is this Judge anyway?

zendawn said on November 10, 2009 at 10:21 AM

Catholic churches fight to have rights to aid, abet, and harbor illegal aliens, so why can't Methodist churches feed homeless citizens? I understand the urinating issue, however, illegals urinate behind buildings on the corners they stand at looking for work, it stinks. Which is about every corner within 10 blocks on Thomas Road near the Home Depot and WalMart. If the Methodist church can't feed our homeless than the Catholics shouldn't be able to feed, clothe, and harbor illegal aliens. I'm sure many Catholic churches are zoned residential as well. Which brings a question of why is a church zoned residential, isn't it commercial, "like a business", it's a public building? Seems like these days taking care of our own citizens takes second precedence to illegals. What's wrong with this country? Go downtown to the homeless shelter and talk to some of the homeless. Many are Vets and intelligent people just like us that ran into a bad spot that is temporary, they aren't all bad people.

thorgood said on November 10, 2009 at 10:22 AM

It's a sad commentary on Phoenix when the wealthy North Phoenix Homeowners Association has persuaded City officials to rule against the benevolent desires of a church trying to help the poor. All churches have events where they serve food to their members and visitors in the forms of coffee, juice, cookies, snacks and meals. How is North Phoenix Baptist Church overlooked with its wonderful presence and phenomenal kitchen? Is the City of Phoenix is unaware of the far reaching implications of their zoning laws or is this simply discrimination against the poor? Federal "Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000" supersedes city ordinances and states: "(1) GENERAL RULE-No government shall impose or implement a land use regulation in a manner that imposes a substantial burden on the religious exercise of a person..." I believe in many reasons to help the poor, such as Proverbs 22:9 "A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor"?

lfu1132 said on November 10, 2009 at 10:47 AM

The homeless, less fortunate, down-trodden, etc. were the people that Christ embraced. It sounds like to folks who brought the suit are not Christians. I wonder if they attend churches (or even this church) on Sunday. Maybe they're that new breed of folks who really like to be seen in Church on Sundays but don't practice any kind of religion during the rest of the week. Churches are supposed to help others. What a sad commentary on our society.

sullinma said on November 10, 2009 at 12:51 PM

Sad, sad. But not a big shock if you are looking at the big picture. We all know that we are getting to the end times. But, that's another story. Sounds like the local park could be the only solution. Don't give up guys. The battle started a long while ago and won't stop until Jesus' feet are planted back here. And good job! You know you're doing something right when idiocy happens. How else can Stan get at you! Now, having said that, I understand that people have a need to protect their own and it is important for the church to embrace that.

mommazonie said on November 11, 2009 at 10:36 AM

Whine goes the Methodist Church ! Let's make the property owners feel guilty, playing the "Christian card" is the right thing to do ! That area of Phoenix is NOT on the beaten track of the poor, homeless and downtrodden of the Valley. Take your ministry to where the need IS, not where you can get some face time and warm fuzzies. BUT - I bet it looks great in your annual reports and at the District Convocations. You must be bussing them into your area of North Phoenix, or handing out bus passes down in the Deuce. The Methodist church is WRONG in this and is just pushing for some confrontation. WWJD? He'd use common sense and take the ministry to the people who need it, not vice-versa.

pastor said on November 11, 2009 at 10:01 PM

Playing the "Christian Card". You are a hypocrite and a brood of vipers. You have the audacity to say that people who feed the homeless are using the Chrisitan Card to fight this right. Why do you think Churches do it? I can not believe the stupidity of some people. So I am going to say it very Clear. ANY PERSON WHO IS AGAINST THIS CHURCH OR ANY CHURCH FOR PRACTICING WHAT JESUS COMMANDS THEM....IS NOT...IS NOT...IS NOT... A CHRISTIAN. if you think I am wrong than I will prove it to you. I am not afraid to tell you that you are going to Hell. That you are a vile sinner. That you are pathatic. You are in a religion and not of Christ. The City of Phoenix and these neighbors can take a hike. YOU WILL NOT stop any church from worship and serving Jesus. You will have to cut our head off. No matter what happens we will be victorious. You live a sad life my friend and I feel very sorry for you, Actually I can not lie, I don't. You are evidence that evil people exist.

rhodora said on December 22, 2009 at 3:05 PM

I tried to post but it did not go through.