State threatens to close Christian ministry
Group files lawsuit, claiming 'harassment, pure and simple'
Posted: October 1, 20051:00 a.m. Eastern

A Christian ministry filed a lawsuit yesterday in federal court against the state of Tennessee for forcing it to obtain a license in order to continue.

Last month, the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities designated the non-profit group Love in Action a "mental health supportive living facility" and informed the ministry it must cease operations by Sept. 30 if it didn't apply for a license or comply with the department's demands.

"This is harassment, pure and simple," said Nate Kellum, senior legal counsel for the Alliance Defense Fund, which represents the group.

Story