Mayor Dan Rodrick of Toms River, New Jersey, has postponed a council vote to seize the 11-acre property of Christ Episcopal Church. He told Episcopal News Service the ordinance will be dropped if polling shows the public opposes the plan. The final vote, initially scheduled for July 30, will not proceed as planned. Rodrick’s move marks a significant shift in a months-long controversy that has drawn national attention. The mayor previously stated the land would be converted into public recreational space, including pickleball courts, a skate park, and a playground.
Public Pushback and Petition Efforts Grow
The delay follows significant backlash from residents and church supporters. A petition drive was launched to rescind the ordinance, which passed its first council vote on April 30. Over 9,300 people have signed a Change.org petition, and a GoFundMe page has raised more than $26,000 for the church’s legal defense. A separate effort to recall Mayor Rodrick is set to begin on July 25. Demonstrators have consistently gathered near the church, holding signs that read “People Over Pickleball” and “Save Christ Church,” underscoring the strong local opposition.
Church Leaders and Diocese Stand Firm
Church leaders remain resolute in their opposition to the seizure. “Christ Church is not for sale,” said Rev. Lisa Hoffman. Bishop Sally French warned that seizing a house of worship by eminent domain would violate religious freedom and be a “great injustice.” Episcopal leaders welcomed the delay but insist the ordinance be fully rescinded. They continue to emphasize the church’s historic and spiritual importance in Toms River, highlighting its long-standing service to the community, including proposed outreach programs such as a homeless shelter that was recently rejected by the town’s zoning board.
Rodrick Defends Plan, Seeks Public Opinion
Rodrick said he believed the church would be open to selling, but church officials deny receiving any formal outreach. The mayor now intends to fund a public opinion poll of 300–500 residents using campaign funds. He claimed a statistically valid survey would give a better picture of public sentiment than council meeting testimony. Rodrick emphasized that his decision to move forward will depend solely on polling results rather than vocal opposition at public meetings.
Proposed Park Plan Faces Moral and Legal Hurdles
Rodrick’s vision for the land includes pickleball courts, a skate park, and a playground. The plan emerged shortly after the church and its partners proposed building a homeless shelter—a project Rodrick opposed. The township zoning board denied the church a variance in June. The mayor also admitted he was unaware until May that the site contained the ashes of 325 people. He said the township would not disturb the burial site if it moved forward. Critics argue that any attempt to claim the land sets a troubling precedent for the use of eminent domain against houses of worship.
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New Jersey mayor says town won’t seize Episcopal church if public doesn’t support plan
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