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First Liberty Institute filed a request for a preliminary injunction<\/a> against the town of Weare, New Hampshire, claiming it violated the law by mandating a site review plan before a pastor could use his home for a religious gathering.<\/p>\n \u201cHundreds of thousands of Americans meet every day in homes for prayer meetings, Bible studies, book clubs, card games, and other gatherings. Why would Weare city officials demand this small church stop meeting in the pastor\u2019s home, but ignore Super Bowl parties and political gatherings?\u201d asked Senior Counsel for First Liberty Institute Jeremy Dys. \u201cSince the day the First Amendment became law all people of faith have been granted the right to worship and pray in their home with like-minded people.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIn the United States, the tradition of using individual homes for religious gatherings\u2014even formal church services\u2014has garnered special solicitude under the law,\u201d said King & Spalding partner Sean Royall, who is helping with the case. \u201cThe suit is about protecting that legal right for all faiths.\u201d<\/p>\n Grace New England Church was founded as a home church by Pastor Howard Kaloogian.<\/p>\n Kaloogian received a \u201cCease and Desist\u201d notice in October 2023 demanding that he \u201cimmediately stop any assembly regarding Grace New England Church. This Cease and Desist will remain in effect until a site plan is submitted, reviewed and there is a decision made by the Town Planning Board.\u201d<\/p>\n