Freedom
Toms River Church’s Fate Hangs in Balance as Controversy Erupts
In a troubling move that raises serious questions about the erosion of religious freedoms and the disregard for Christian compassion, the town council of Toms River, New Jersey, is aggressively pursuing the acquisition of Christ Episcopal Church’s historic 11-acre campus. This 160-year-old parish, a beacon of hope and support for the community, is currently seeking permission to establish a 17-bed shelter for the homeless—a mission that aligns perfectly with the Christian call to serve the least among us.
In a narrow 4-3 vote during an April 30 meeting, the council decided to proceed with plans to purchase the church and five other properties, or seize them if necessary, to construct two new public parks. Mayor Daniel Rodrick, who has been vocal in his criticism of homelessness, envisions pickleball courts, a soccer field, a playground, and a skate park replacing the church’s grounds.
The Rev. Lisa A. Hoffman, the church’s rector, expressed her shock and disappointment, stating, “It’s just really shocking and surprising and very disappointing.” The church was blindsided by this ordinance, learning of it mere hours before the vote, and no officials had the courtesy to notify the congregation in advance. Hoffman rightly questions the legitimacy of using the land for a park as a reason to seize church property.
Attorney Michael York, representing the church, highlighted the bad faith actions of the township and mayor, calling the ordinance “an excuse to obtain property.” He warned of impending litigation against officials who knowingly participate in this ill-conceived action. York pointed out that the township is in a “perilous position,” given the legal complexities involved, including the Episcopal Church’s Dennis Canon, which holds parish property in trust for the diocese and national church.
The council’s debate was brief but heated, with Council member Thomas Nivison unsuccessfully attempting to table the measure or exclude the church from consideration. James Quinlisk, who voted against the ordinance, passionately declared, “There’s no way on God’s green Earth that anyone should vote for this ordinance,” a sentiment that resonated with the audience, earning loud applause. In a powerful moment, David Ciccozzi stood to cast his no vote and led the room in the Lord’s Prayer, underscoring the deep faith that guides the church’s mission.
The church’s contributions to the community are invaluable. Each Sunday, more than 150 congregants gather for worship, and the church hosts over 20 support groups, operates a food pantry, and runs a weekly clothing giveaway. The property also houses the Ocean Christian Community and has been a base for the Affordable Housing Alliance, which has rehoused over 130 families in its first year.
This situation echoes a similar case in Bryan, Ohio, where a pastor faced legal challenges for keeping his church open to shelter the homeless. Such actions against churches dedicated to serving their communities are a stark reminder of the challenges facing religious institutions today.
As Christians, we are called to defend our faith and our freedoms. The actions of Toms River’s council not only threaten the church’s mission but also set a dangerous precedent for religious liberty. We must stand firm in our commitment to uphold traditional values, protect our places of worship, and ensure that the principles of faith, family, and freedom remain at the heart of our society.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Faith Facts
- Senior Met officer commended PC Moule for upholding Christian preacher’s free speech amid protests in Whitechapel.
- PC Moule affirmed Britain’s freedom of speech law in viral video against angry crowd claiming a “Muslim area.”
- Met’s past arrest of Pastor Sherwood for preaching Genesis 1:27 on God’s family design reveals anti-Christian bias.
A senior Metropolitan Police officer praised the constable who protected a Christian street preacher’s right to proclaim Biblical truths in east London.
Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist highlighted PC Moule’s calm enforcement of free speech at the London Assembly’s police committee.
Susan Hall commended the officer for reminding citizens of free speech principles.
“Thank you for noting the great work of PC Moule who was in Whitechapel,” Twist replied. “My view is it was a good example of officers showing policing common sense without fear or favour and doing a good job.”
“In this country, we have freedom of speech,” PC Moule stated firmly to the protesting crowd.
In contrast, the Met arrested 71-year-old Pastor John Sherwood in 2021 for preaching near Uxbridge station that God’s ordained family consists of father and mother.
Charged under Section 5 of the Public Order Act for alleged homophobic speech, Sherwood was acquitted in 2022 via Article 10 Human Rights Act protections.
This pattern reflects institutional capture by ideologies hostile to Christian morality and Britain’s patriotic heritage of Gospel proclamation.
Toby Young of Free Speech Union called PC Moule exceptional, deserving a medal for upholding Article 10 rights despite pressure.
Orthodox Christians must pray fervently for radical reform in the Met to safeguard street evangelism and family values rooted in Scripture.
Faith Facts
- ADF International champions X’s appeal against a 120 million euro EU Digital Services Act fine for transparency issues.
- EU probes X for not curbing “illegal content,” like Germany’s politician insult laws carrying up to three years in prison.
- X claims denied due process and prosecutorial bias in first-ever DSA fine challenge, protecting God-given free speech.
Elon Musk’s X platform fights a massive EU penalty from December 5, upholding transparency while facing probes over alleged false information.
Christian advocates highlight how DSA’s vague rules enable speech suppression, echoing Biblical calls to speak truth boldly against tyrannical control.
Dr Adina Portaru, senior counsel for ADF International in Europe, said,
“X is being targeted by the European Commission because it is a free speech platform.”
“Social media platforms are today’s public square, and the DSA threatens speech in that public square.”
“X is where millions of people go to freely express their views. This is a crackdown on X by authorities who view a free speech platform as a serious threat to their total control of online narratives.”
“By targeting X, they are targeting the free speech of individuals across the world who simply want to share ideas online free from censorship.”
She added,
“If the Commission’s concentration of power goes unchallenged, it will further cement a highly problematic standard for speech control across the EU and beyond.”
In a statement, X declared,
“This EU Decision resulted from an incomplete and superficial investigation, grave procedural errors, a tortured interpretation of the obligations under the DSA, and systematic breaches of rights of defence and basic due process requirements suggesting prosecutorial bias.”
“This landmark case is the first judicial challenge to a DSA fine and could set important precedents for enforcement, penalty calculations, and fundamental rights protections under the 2022 regulation. X remains committed to user safety and transparency while defending our users’ access to the only global town square.”
Patriotic Americans and believers must rally against EU overreach exporting censorship, safeguarding faith-driven discourse in the digital public square.
Faith Facts
- Turkey has expelled or denied entry to at least 300 foreign Christian pastors, missionaries, and their families in recent years.
- European lawmakers have raised serious concerns about Turkey’s actions and called for protection of religious freedom.
- Christian advocates and rights groups are urging Turkish authorities to allow due process and uphold respect for all faiths.
Turkey’s recent decision to expel foreign Christians has drawn attention from the international Christian community, highlighting ongoing challenges to religious liberty in the region. European lawmakers have united in support of religious freedom, defending the right of believers to minister and worship without interference.
The faithful in cities like Izmir continue to celebrate Christmas and gather publicly, reflecting the enduring strength and unity of Christian families. Despite these trials, those affected hold onto their faith, standing as a testament to perseverance rooted in Biblical hope.
During debate in the European Parliament, Tomislav Sokol said,
“These deportations of Christians in Turkey for reasons of national security are one more attack on Christians, the most persecuted religious minority around the world.”
ADF International and other faith-based advocates maintain that many deportees had lawfully resided in Turkey for years with no criminal cases, challenging the practice as inconsistent with religious freedom principles. The Christian community continues to call for prayer and advocacy to safeguard believers across the globe.
As the European Court of Human Rights reviews pending cases, concerned Christians everywhere are encouraged to remain steadfast, praying for justice and the preservation of religious liberty for families affected.
Stand with fellow Christians facing adversity—pray for their strength, spread awareness, and speak up for freedom of faith.
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