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Orthodox Ministry Sues Phoenix for Ban on Distributing Food or Medical Care

By Taylor Seely, Arizona Republic
Dozens of people protested an update to the Tempe special events ordinance, which they say aims to clamp down on protests and events feeding the homeless, in front of the Tempe City Council Chambers on July 1, 2025./The Arizona Republic via Reuters
Jun 9, 2026
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An Orthodox Christian group sued Phoenix over a new law restricting free food distribution and medical care to people in need at parks, continuing a regional battle over how cities should respond to homelessness in public spaces.

Lance Brace, founder of St. Herman’s Table, a ministry of Exaltation of the Holy Cross Orthodox Church, said a Phoenix ordinance passed in early May and set to take effect June 5 criminalizes his evangelism and makes it impossible for him to provide food, water, Bibles and small hygiene products to unhoused people in city parks.

The ministry provides those items with the ultimate goal “to introduce Jesus Christ to the people it serves,” the complaint says.

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Dozens of people protested an update to the Tempe special events ordinance, which they say aims to clamp down on protests and events feeding the homeless, in front of the Tempe City Council Chambers on July 1, 2025./The Arizona Republic via Reuters