The city of Brunswick, Georgia, is facing a legal challenge from the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) over its attempts to permanently shut down a Christian charity dedicated to assisting the homeless.
DOJ Lawsuit Details
On Monday, the DOJ filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia, claiming that officials in Brunswick acted unlawfully in their efforts to close The Well, a homeless ministry run by FaithWorks, which is affiliated with the South Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church.
Brunswick is accused of violating the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 (RLUIPA) through its actions against The Well.
The lawsuit details how the city’s mandatory closure orders and related legal actions—citing neighborhood nuisance—imposed unfair restrictions on the religious practices of FaithWorks and its team.
According to the DOJ, Brunswick failed to justify its actions with a compelling interest and did not consider less restrictive alternatives.
The Mission of The Well
The Well’s mission of providing essential services to those experiencing homelessness is seen as a core expression of FaithWorks’ faith.
Brunswick’s attempts to dismantle this charity, the DOJ argues, significantly disrupt this important work.
Kristen Clarke, Assistant Attorney General of the DOJ Civil Rights Division, stressed the legal right of The Well to operate in Brunswick.
She stated that federal laws protect the right of religious organizations to use their facilities for charitable purposes, underscoring the Division’s commitment to safeguard religious liberties and challenge local land use policies that unjustly impede those freedoms.
Ongoing Challenges and Community Impact
Since its inception in 2014, The Well has served the Brunswick community by offering meals, showers, and shelter, especially during severe weather.
However, following incidents linked to individuals utilizing the charity’s services, the city ordered The Well to close temporarily in April 2023.
This closure lasted 65 days, during which the charity adjusted its policies and ramped up security to address concerns from the community about safety.
Despite these efforts and the eventual reopening of The Well in July 2023, Brunswick later filed a nuisance complaint aimed at permanently closing the ministry.
Rev. Wright Culpepper from FaithWorks expressed appreciation for the DOJ’s intervention, viewing it as crucial relief for the charity.
He noted that the ongoing legal battle had created uncertainty, hampering their ability to provide timely assistance to those in urgent need.
Source: Christianpost
