Ocean City Church Challenges Town in Federal Court Over $20,000 in Fines for Homeless Shelter Operation

An Ocean City church is currently engaged in a legal battle with the town, challenging fines amounting to approximately $20,000. The church, St. Paul’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, has been providing shelter for people experiencing homelessness, a mission they argue is part of their religious duty. The conflict arises from the town’s claim that the church’s shelter operations violate local zoning regulations.

The church contends that the town’s actions infringe upon its religious rights, citing both the First Amendment and the federal Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act. Pastor Jill Williams emphasizes that offering shelter is integral to their faith-based mission, and therefore, they refuse to pay the fines imposed by the town. The fines, which began in June, have been temporarily halted due to the ongoing federal lawsuit.

In response, Ocean City officials have clarified that the issue is centered on zoning and building use compliance, rather than an attempt to impede the church’s religious practices. They highlighted the town’s longstanding support for homelessness initiatives, including financial backing for Diakonia, a legally established homeless shelter in West Ocean City. The town also supports the Worcester County Homeless Outreach Team, which provides comprehensive services such as counseling, medical assistance, and housing solutions.

The town maintains its responsibility to ensure that all properties adhere to zoning, building, and safety codes, applying these regulations uniformly to protect both occupants and the broader community. This case underscores the ongoing dialogue between community safety regulations and the compassionate mission of faith-based organizations to care for their neighbors in need, echoing the call to “lovingly provide for those who lack food, and to welcome the homeless stranger” as a reflection of neighbor-love.

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