Church in Bryan files federal lawsuit after its pastor is charged with violating city ordinances.

It’s going national. A Christian church in Bryan files a federal lawsuit after its pastor is charged with violating city ordinances when he opened up the sanctuary around the clock for homeless people and others to find shelter. An attorney for the church, Jeremy Dys, says he thinks city leaders don’t want the ministry in the middle of town, describing it as a “not in my backyard” issue and accusing officials of inventing problems. During an initial meeting with the federal judge and lawyers for Bryan…both sides agreed to maintain the status quo. As a result, the church will remain open to those who seek its religious services until at least March 4, when the judge will consider its request for an injunction against the city. The church’s lawsuit claims that leaders decided in March to remain open at all hours as a temporary, emergency shelter. Eight people stay there on a typical night, they say, and a few more when weather is bad.