Healing Heart Outreach Ministry, Inc. v. Memphis Housing Authority

Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Court: Federal District Court

Standing up for a group’s right to hold a Bible study in their apartment building without interference from the state alleging a “separation of church and state” violation

The Memphis Housing Authority (MHA) owns numerous high-rise apartment buildings where it provides subsidized housing to elderly and disabled persons. After a number of years of the Bible study groups meeting peaceably, MHA suddenly decided that it would be a violation of “separation of church and state” to allow residents to hold Bible studies in the community rooms of the facilities, when many of these residents are physically unable to leave the premises or do not have transportation to attend a church off site.

The MHA's decision to restrict the Bible study came late and was unconstitutional. As a result, Advocates sought a court injunction to allow the Bible studies to resume throughout litigation. Fortunately, such an injunction proved not to be necessary, as MHA attorneys quickly realized the unconstitutionality of their actions and contacted Advocates' attorneys to offer a settlement. According to the terms of the settlement, the MHA has agreed to draft a new, constitutionally-sound policy, and the Bible studies continue to meet without further harassment.