For about 15 years, City Church Fairfield has faithfully and successfully served the homeless, the addicts, and those suffering with depression in the community. Brad Dacus, president of Pacific Justice Institute (PJI), says the city applauded that work until 2022, when the pastor of the church agreed to requests by local residents to run for city council.
"Once he announced, suddenly everything changed," Dacus accounts.
Claiming code violations, the city informed the small church that it must halt its ministry and "slapped them with more than $300,000 in penalties and fines."
"We have stepped in, and we are representing this church," Dacus relays. "This is a classic example of local lawfare, where those in power are abusing their power at the expense of the most needy in that community."
"This is a hideous violation of the free exercise rights of this church to not just believe their faith, but live and practice their faith in the community," the PJI president adds.
To its request for comment, AFN received the following response from Bill Way, Fairfield's communications manager:
The City of Fairfield values City Church's contributions to the community over the years in providing support to those in need. However, adherence to building and safety codes is essential to ensure the well-being of all and to maintain equity in compliance with laws and regulations.
The city will continue to offer to collaborate with City Church to resolve the violations and negotiate a reduction of their fines, allowing them to run programs safely and lawfully. Public safety and adherence to routine, well-established regulations are priorities that protect everyone in our community.
Last month, the Fairfield Planning Commission voted 7-0 to separate any fines or penalties from conditions of approval for church ministries to resume. But the following week, the mayor and city council voted to appeal that decision to themselves and ultimately voted 5-1 to reverse the portion of the commission's unanimous decision that had been more favorable to the church. The council directed city staff to negotiate with the church over the amount of the fines and penalties.
