Michigan township accused of discriminating against church fined for hosting weddings
October 31, 2025
The Michigan township of Windsor is accused of wrongfully stopping a church from hosting worship services, including wedding ceremonies, at its local property.
The Christian Post reports that The Sanctum of One God Church (TSOG) and Tarrington Group Properties, LLC, are being prevented from using their property after township officials say the building was renovated without a building code inspection.
First Liberty Institute (FLI) sent a letter to the Township of Windsor last week which states: “despite the Church’s earnest efforts to resolve all alleged issues, including multiple calls with Town officials, the Township showed little interest in working with the Church, opting instead to continually delay in taking any action that would allow the Church to commence its operations.”
The complaint letter argues that TSOG purchased the property in November 2023 and performed renovation work on it the following year.
Shortly after they began hosting events at the property, TSOG received a cease-and-desist letter from the Township of Windsor, saying that the church had violated local ordinances.
The church’s troubles with the township continued after TSOG hosted two weddings last month, prompting officials to issue the church a $4500 fine.
According to the Christian Post, FLI said the local fire chief restricted TSOG’s operating hours and also forcibly limited occupancy to just 50 people, even though the building can safely accommodate 400.
The FLI letter also states, “The Free Exercise Clause prohibits government action that burdens an individual’s sincere religious practice with a policy that is not neutral or generally applicable. The Township’s discriminatory actions against the Church fall squarely within this prohibition, and the Church reserves its rights to enforce that prohibition.”
An attorney for the law firm representing the township said, “The building has undergone renovations without building code inspection. Building permits or inspections for those major renovations or an outdoor entertainment area have not been provided. It has not passed a building inspection nor a final fire code inspection. It is not an appropriate venue for commercial wedding receptions.”
Photo: top, Credit: Unsplash/Gregory Hayes