The history and current status of CrossRoads UMC’s zoning conflict

On January 31, 2009, CrossRoads United Methodist Church began hosting a Saturday morning worship service and meal. This ministry focuses primarily on serving the poor and the homeless, and it helps to fill a time and space that had been empty of ministry. Unfortunately, the neighborhood associations, politicians, and some others in the community surrounding CrossRoads took notice of this activity and felt threatened by it.

Over the summer CrossRoads received a citation from the city of Phoenix claiming that the church was in violation of a city zoning ordinance. Specifically, CrossRoads was cited for, in the opinion of the city, operating a charity dining hall on Saturday mornings in a residential community. CrossRoads contested this order, claiming that worship and the sharing of a meal is a regular and important part of the Christian faith and that its Saturday morning ministry by no means constitutes a dining hall. As a result, a zoning hearing was set for October 22, 2009, and CrossRoads was allowed to continue its Saturday ministry pending the results of the hearing.

In response to the concerns that had been raised, many attempts were made to find a resolution that would satisfy both the ministry and the community. The church offered to institute more safety protocols, to work with the community to assure that additional traffic is managed, and even to patrol the area around the church to assure that there were not unsavory activities taking place. None the less, fear ran rampant and panic led to a variety of accusations against the ministry and those served by the ministry. Some of the accusations were purely fiction while others were based in minor situations and presented as much larger situations to the already fearful community.

As the hearing approached, it was evident that nothing the church was willing to do to address the complainants’ concerns was considered adequate by the complainants. CrossRoads and their supporters were confident that the zoning hearing would rule in their favor, because it seemed unfathomable that this ministry could be considered a charity dining hall. CrossRoads received support from the United Methodist connection and from the Arizona Ecumenical Council as well as from a number of churches from other denominations. The implication that a church could be told that they cannot practice their faith due to zoning law was very concerning to many.

At the hearing itself, fear once again prevailed causing a lack of focus on the issues at hand. The debate went well beyond the zoning issue itself, focusing on allegations of inappropriate activities and perceived dangers to the community. Both sides spoke passionately, and the hearing officer, Retired Judge Robert Corcoran, took more than two weeks to deliver his decision on November 9, 2009. In the end, the zoning violation citation was upheld, and CrossRoads ministry was deemed a charity dining hall. If the ruling stands, CrossRoads will be forced to end its ministry.

This ruling obviously has implications far beyond this particular ministry, and is likely to be challenged on many levels. The full implications of what this means to other churches with ministries that feed the less fortunate, or even hold potlucks or other regular meals, is yet to be determined. However, at this time this ruling does not immediately impact other ministries in Phoenix. All ministries can and should continue regardless of the final outcome at CrossRoads.

As for the ministry at CrossRoads, the church had some decisions to make. There is a process for appealing a ruling in a case like the one they have been facing. On Sunday, November 15, congregation leaders met with District Superintendent Rev. Sharon Ragland and determined they will appeal Judge Corcoran’s ruling. The next hearing will be held at the Phoenix City Hall on Thursday, January 7, 2010, at 12 p.m. at City Hall, 200 W. Jefferson Street, before the city’s Board of Adjustment.

All are invited to be in prayer for the ministry of the church, but most especially for our brothers and sisters who suffer poverty, hunger, and homelessness.

Financial support for this struggle is needed. You can give through the link above or by making a check payable to:

CrossRoads UMC
“Be The Voice Now” fund
7901 N Central Ave
Phoenix AZ 85020