St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church v. City of Hoboken

HUMPHREYS, A.J.S.C.

This case poses an important issue as to the breadth of religious freedom when confronted with the zoning authority of local government.1 The Hoboken municipal authorities seek to close a shelter for homeless people operated by plaintiff, St. John’s Church. Plaintiffs seek an injunction against the closing, asserting their constitutional right to religious freedom. The primary issue, not previously determined in this State, is whether a municipality may through its zoning laws constitutionally prohibit a church from operating a shelter for the homeless on its premises. My…