Church access to public schools extended (OneNewsNow.com)

Church access to public schools extended (OneNewsNow.com)

onenewsnow.com

Court extends NYC church access to public schools

Associated Press - 3/1/2012 11:45:00 AM

NEW YORK - A federal appeals court has rejected New York City's attempt to keep churches out of its public schools while a judge decides whether the city's ban on worship in school buildings can be enforced.

Late Wednesday, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals declined the city's request to overturn Judge Loretta Preska's injunction.

Last Friday, she blocked the city from evicting dozens of congregations that have been renting schools for Sunday services. Preska said the Bronx Household of Faith was likely to win its First Amendment challenge and had demonstrated that it would suffer irreparable harm.

The appeals court urged Preska to issue her final decision in the case by mid-June.

Wednesday's decision was announced hours after the Rev. William Devlin ended a six-week fast in support of the churches facing eviction. Devlin, whose 500-member congregation has its own building, credits prayer and fasting with helping the judges "see the light."

---

If you believe OneNewsNow.com is an important source for Christian news,
please consider a small tax-deductible gift for this service.