A federal district court has handed down an initial ruling in favor of Gethsemani Baptist Church’s food ministry in San Luis, Arizona. City officials have tried to shut down the church’s food distribution service since 2022.

San Luis Mayor Nieves Riedel—who was elected in 2022—informed Gethsemani’s leaders that they could no longer use a city warehouse to store food, which the church regularly distributes to 200 needy families. Shortly after, the city told Pastor Jose Manuel Castro that he was also prohibited from using trucks to distribute the food. When Gethsemani tried to hand out a small amount of food to those in urgent need, San Luis’ code enforcer issued citations against Castro.

First Liberty Institute and law firm Snell and Wilmer L.L.P filed a complaint on behalf of Gethsemani Baptist Church against the city of San Luis in March of this year. City officials tried to get the case dismissed immediately, but a federal district court has ruled that it will go forward. A decision on whether the church can continue the food distribution without interference is expected in the coming weeks.

Gethsemani Baptist has been able to continue some of its food distribution ministry during litigation, but with major restrictions. The church is unable to accept donations—which it has relied heavily upon—until the case is resolved.

“Churches shouldn’t be threatened or fined for feeding the hungry and caring for the most vulnerable. That betrays everything that religious freedom in America is about,” First Liberty Institute said in a statement. “The First Amendment and federal law protect the right of houses of worship to live out their faith—which most certainly includes compassionate ministries that help people in need.”

A federal district court has handed down an initial ruling in favor of Gethsemani Baptist Church’s food ministry in San Luis, Arizona. City officials have tried to shut down the church’s food distribution service since 2022.

San Luis Mayor Nieves Riedel—who was elected in 2022—informed Gethsemani’s leaders that they could no longer use a city warehouse to store food, which the church regularly distributes to 200 needy families. Shortly after, the city told Pastor Jose Manuel Castro that he was also prohibited from using trucks to distribute the food. When Gethsemani tried to hand out a small amount of food to those in urgent need, San Luis’ code enforcer issued citations against Castro.

First Liberty Institute and law firm Snell and Wilmer L.L.P filed a complaint on behalf of Gethsemani Baptist Church against the city of San Luis in March of this year. City officials tried to get the case dismissed immediately, but a federal district court has ruled that it will go forward. A decision on whether the church can continue the food distribution without interference is expected in the coming weeks.

Gethsemani Baptist has been able to continue some of its food distribution ministry during litigation, but with major restrictions. The church is unable to accept donations—which it has relied heavily upon—until the case is resolved.

“Churches shouldn’t be threatened or fined for feeding the hungry and caring for the most vulnerable. That betrays everything that religious freedom in America is about,” First Liberty Institute said in a statement. “The First Amendment and federal law protect the right of houses of worship to live out their faith—which most certainly includes compassionate ministries that help people in need.”

Photo: Gethsemani Food Ministry Facebook