Ocean City Church Challenges City Over Homeless Shelter Zoning Dispute
St. Paul’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Ocean City, Maryland, is engaged in a legal battle with city officials over its operation of a homeless shelter. The church, located near the Ocean City Boardwalk, has been providing shelter to over 30 homeless individuals nightly since spring. The Rev. Jill Williams, the church's pastor, asserts that this initiative is a fundamental part of their religious mission. The conflict arose when Ocean City began issuing fines against the church for what it described as 'barracks-style living quarters' that violate local zoning laws. The church argues that the city's actions are not about zoning but rather an attempt to hide the homeless population from tourists. Consequently, the church has filed a lawsuit in federal court, claiming infringement on its religious rights. Ocean City officials, while declining an on-camera interview, stated they are enforcing local regulations as they would for any property owner. The city has also filed a counterclaim, denying any rights v... 
