Former top administrator at defunct Tennessee Temple University blindsided by zoning crackdown on Missiongathering San Diego (Disciples of Christ):
https://sduptownnews.com/the-irenic-youth-shelter-shut-down/
"On Aug. 31, Missiongathering...received a Civil Penalty Notice and Order from the city of San Diego, ordering that the church cease operations of their homeless youth shelter and cancel all rentals of their sanctuary, called 'The Irenic' immediately....The church has already laid off staff in the wake of the order and they may have to cease operations at the campus before the end of the year after the swift action by the city."
"'We have partnered with Missiongathering Christian Church over the last three years to provide the only emergency overnight homeless shelter dedicated to homeless youth in the county,' said Eric Lovett, the executive director and founder of Urban Street Angels. 'That is in jeopardy now with the city telling the church they have to stop'."
"In addition to the shelter, the church also rented out their sanctuary to host concerts...the proceeds of which help to fund the church’s ministry to the community."
The city now says Missiongathering has transitioned from 'Church Zoning' to 'Music Venue/Nightclub Zoning'. In addition, the church must apply for a conditional use permit (CUP) [for the homeless shelter]....[it] cited the church with more than 20 violations and informed them that they may be back-charged at a rate of $300 per violation, per day"
"The church was informed that without obtaining a conditional use permit for both their sanctuary rentals and the shelter, they would not be able to continue operating these ministries. The church held their last youth homeless shelter on Sept. 3 and informed the youth that had come to rely on the ministry they are no longer allowed to serve them."
"In a press release, the church announced its intention to fight the order. 'Missiongathering believes that the city of San Diego may be violating their religious liberty as a church'."
https://sduptownnews.com/the-irenic-youth-shelter-shut-down/
"On Aug. 31, Missiongathering...received a Civil Penalty Notice and Order from the city of San Diego, ordering that the church cease operations of their homeless youth shelter and cancel all rentals of their sanctuary, called 'The Irenic' immediately....The church has already laid off staff in the wake of the order and they may have to cease operations at the campus before the end of the year after the swift action by the city."
"'We have partnered with Missiongathering Christian Church over the last three years to provide the only emergency overnight homeless shelter dedicated to homeless youth in the county,' said Eric Lovett, the executive director and founder of Urban Street Angels. 'That is in jeopardy now with the city telling the church they have to stop'."
"In addition to the shelter, the church also rented out their sanctuary to host concerts...the proceeds of which help to fund the church’s ministry to the community."
The city now says Missiongathering has transitioned from 'Church Zoning' to 'Music Venue/Nightclub Zoning'. In addition, the church must apply for a conditional use permit (CUP) [for the homeless shelter]....[it] cited the church with more than 20 violations and informed them that they may be back-charged at a rate of $300 per violation, per day"
"The church was informed that without obtaining a conditional use permit for both their sanctuary rentals and the shelter, they would not be able to continue operating these ministries. The church held their last youth homeless shelter on Sept. 3 and informed the youth that had come to rely on the ministry they are no longer allowed to serve them."
"In a press release, the church announced its intention to fight the order. 'Missiongathering believes that the city of San Diego may be violating their religious liberty as a church'."
