Erie, PA - Today, a federal district court will hear Liberty Counsel's request on behalf of Lighthouse Christian Center to allow the church to operate in Titusville, Pennsylvania. The city has banned churches from a large area of downtown, but allows theaters, clubs and lodges to operate in that area. At 1:30 p.m. today, Liberty Counsel Senior Litigation Counsel David Corry will ask the court to enter an injunction against the city on behalf of Lighthouse Christian Center.

Lighthouse Christian Center started in a small building in East Hickory, Pennsylvania, without running water or sewer. The church outgrew that facility and secured a lease within the city of Titusville in a large commercial area zoned C-1. A large portion of Lighthouse's congregation is from the Titusville area. The new property is large enough to contain a Christian bookstore, food storage and distribution, outreach to teenagers and a television ministry, in addition to their twice-weekly worship meetings. The property is convenient for the target population of the church.

Titusville has refused to allow Lighthouse to use the property. The city zoning code does not allow churches in the C-1 zoning district, which covers a large portion of downtown Titusville. However, the code does permit, as a matter of right, clubs and lodges, bars, theaters and "amusements." Because the zoning code prohibits churches from occupying property in the C-1 zone, the church was forced outside the city, where it is renting a temporary building that lacks heat and insulation.

Liberty Counsel recently filed a federal lawsuit, citing violations of the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) and the United States Constitution. Today's hearing focuses on Liberty Counsel's request for a preliminary injunction to allow Lighthouse Christian Center to locate in the C-1 zoning district, pending the resolution of the case on the merits.

Anita L. Staver, President of Liberty Counsel, stated: "Titusville, Pennsylvania, allows theaters, clubs, lodges, restaurants, and bars in the downtown area where it bans churches. Banning churches from a large section of downtown unduly burdens the free exercise of religion. Government officials should welcome churches that provide much-needed services and support to local communities. We must stamp out illegal discrimination against churches and other houses of worship."