Judge: NYC Churches Can Meet in Schools

February 27, 2012

A federal judge gave New York City churches a major victory Friday, issuing a preliminary injunction that will allow congregations to continue meeting in rented public school space while a lawsuit proceeds to overturn a NYC Department of Education rule preventing school buildings from being used for "religious worship services," Baptist Press reports. District judge Loretta Preska made it clear that all churches -- not just the named plaintiff, Bronx Household of Faith -- will be able to meet in schools. Unlike her previous order that was to last only 10 days, the latest ruling contains no expiration date, meaning it will remain in effect while the case proceeds -- or until a higher court decides differently. Represented by the Alliance Defense Fund, the Bronx Household of Faith contends the city's rule amounts to a constitutional violation toward churches, because the city allows non-religious groups to meet in schools.