Teen Challenge Litigation
Teen Challenge is one of the oldest, largest, and most successful programs of its kind in the world. The wonderful ministry of Teen Challenge was made known to millions by the book, The Cross and the Switchblade. Established by David Wilkerson, Teen Challenge has grown to more than 170 centers in the United States. According to a 2002 national survey on drug use, an estimated 7.7 million individuals age 12 and older were in need of care for an illicit drug problem. Furthermore, an estimated 18.6 million persons age 12 and older were in need of assistance for an alcohol-related problem. Teen Challenge has responded in an incredible way, providing residential and non-residential treatment and care facilities for thousands of men and women seeking freedom from life-controlling problems. Programs offered by Teen Challenge include Bible classes. The success rate of the Teen Challenge program is phenomenal at 86%.
In Tennessee, we are representing the Teen Challenge ministry. The case represents an important opportunity to use the protections of the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act to do exactly what Congress intended it to doenable religious organizations to operate despite discriminatory action on the part of local government. Teen Challenge has operated a residential rehabilitation facility in Tennessee for over 20 years without any complaints from their neighbors. When Teen Challenge sought to expand their efforts due to the overwhelming demand for their services, they found a piece of property in an ideal locationbeautiful rural land set back from the road in an area where rehabilitative services are specifically allowed under the zoning laws. Teen Challenge sold their old property in order to fund the needed changes to the new property. Unfortunately, the local government did everything in its power to prevent them from opening. Over a series of months, the Planning Commission unanimously rejected the proposed use. This action would force Teen Challenge out of its property. The pattern of discrimination in this case has been extraordinary, and we are happy to stand up for the right of Teen Challenge to continue to bring the love of Jesus Christ to the hurting in middle Tennessee.
Our ACLJ Senior Counsel Larry Crain, along with Staff Counsel Clayton Wood, will be bringing this case in federal court in Tennessee in the next few days. It is critical that these organizations be allowed to effectively minister. We will keep you posted as the case progresses.
