County Rejects Claims of Constitutional Violations
Attorneys representing the Chatham County Board of Commissioners have denied allegations that the county violated The Summit Church’s civil rights. The multi-campus church, led by former Southern Baptist Convention President J.D. Greear, filed a federal lawsuit in February. The church claimed the county unlawfully rejected its rezoning application for a 100-acre campus near Chapel Hill. In a 24-page legal response, county lawyers insisted all actions were lawful and rooted in legitimate planning considerations.
Summit Church Alleges Bias and Religious Discrimination
The Summit Church’s 743-page complaint accuses Chatham County of religious discrimination. The church argues that no clear planning-based objections were offered for the rezoning denial. It cited comments from Vice Chair Mary Roodkowsky, who said the church “is not like the other churches we have in the County” and may be better suited to an urban setting. The church also pointed to community sentiment, suggesting it did not align with Chatham’s “progressive, LGBTQ-friendly” values.
Church Seeks Federal Relief and Rezoning Approval
The lawsuit demands that the U.S. District Court grant injunctive relief requiring the county to approve the rezoning and site plan. It also asks the court to declare the denial void under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA). Additional requests include attorney’s fees, damages, and further court-determined relief. The church claims the rezoning rejection infringed on its First and Fourteenth Amendment rights.
County Cites Legal Protections and Requests Dismissal
Chatham County’s attorneys have asked the court to dismiss the lawsuit with prejudice. They cited multiple legal protections, including governmental and qualified immunity. The response emphasized that county officials acted in good faith and without malice. The county also requested a jury trial on contested facts and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Supporters and Detractors Divided Over Community Identity
Supporters of Summit Church argue the denial reflects unconstitutional religious bias. Critics say the church’s scale and conservative roots clash with Chatham County’s evolving identity. The case has reignited debate over balancing religious freedom with local land-use planning and community character.
Source:
NC county asks court to dismiss JD Greear-led megachurch’s religious discrimination lawsuit
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