Church in Maryland Fined $12,000 For Helping the Homeless

Church Fined $12,000
The church is in danger of closing down if it does not comply with the code.

Patapsco United Methodist Church in Maryland is being fined for doing what they believe is a scriptural mandate to care for the poor.

"I showed up Wednesday morning to find a citation on the door that said we're going to be fined $12,000 and have a court date because we have unhoused homeless people sleeping outside the church at night," said Reverend Katie Grover.

The church has been a refuge for some homeless people who have nowhere else to go, Grover said, and had been staying at the church because they feel it is the safest place for them. She says that it's actually hard to control whoever is sleeping there at night. They cannot stop homelessness or poverty because it's chronic but are trying to do their best as a church by not chasing away the people who are only trying to sleep.

But the owner of the property next door, Chester Bartko, claims that the actions of the church are not good for his business. He owns a produce stand next the church and said that homeless people have camped right next to their retail area. He also claimed to be threatened by them and his apple tree became the target of the homeless.

"They dump gallons of urine on it," Bartko said. He says that the church should be upholding the standards of the community, but their actions with the poor are the opposite of that.

The church first received a warning for non-permitted rooming and boarding last June. Since then, they have received three more. Grover is now struggling with what to do next. She says the church is doing what they think is the best because they know the homeless are also children of God.

Reverend Grover says that church is to appear in court on December 21, and if they comply with the code, they would not have to pay the $12,000. But failure to so could actually lead to the church having to shut down.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.