Mission Battles Casino over Land

Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, Mississippi, is locked in a battle with what will be the state’s largest casino over compensation for the demolition of five of the mission’s eight buildings.

Casino tycoon Ralph Engelstad wanted 19,605 square feet of the 1.8-acre property to widen two streets and make a grand entry for the casino, which, when built, will be the tallest building in Mississippi. The Gulf port city granted his request in May by filing an eminent domain lawsuit.

The United Church of Christ mission unsuccessfully sought protection under 1993’s federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act. An appeal is pending before the Mississippi Supreme Court.

“The real issue here is what constitutes a church,” says David E. Stephens, executive director of the mission. “Is it solely a place with weekly worship services, or an ongoing ministry?” The mission formerly conducted worship services, but now focuses on food and medical care for the poor and homeless.

The city began demolishing portions of five mission buildings in December. In August, a jury awarded the mission $514,000 compensation for the seized land, but Stephens says that does not cover half the amount needed to rebuild. The mission likely will stay on the remaining land. Stephens says a move would be too costly.

“We’ve taken a pretty good hit, but we’re going to stay and fight,” Stephens says.

He figures the mission’s run-down structures will keep some customers away from the sparkling new casino.

Copyright © 1996 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Also in this issue

The CT archives are a rich treasure of biblical wisdom and insight from our past. Some things we would say differently today, and some stances we've changed. But overall, we're amazed at how relevant so much of this content is. We trust that you'll find it a helpful resource.

Cover Story

Separate and Equal

ARTS: Theater of the Oppressed

Networking: Contemporary and Classic Books on Arts and Faith

PHILIP YANCEY: Why Not Now?

Technology: Seminaries Wire for Long-distance Learning

Enrollment Booming at Christian Colleges

Christians Fear Return of Restrictions on Religion in Russia

Conservatives Debate Church's Role

Wisconsin Pushes Workfare Program

Prominent Bolivian Evangelist Murdered

Nursing's New Age?

Trinity Foundation Acquires The Door

Cook Purchases Scripture Press

Sect Postpones Armageddon

Christians Protest Welfare Cutbacks

Classic & Contemporary Excerpts from February 05, 1996

News

News Briefs: February 05, 1996

ARTS: Shards of Redemption

BOOKS: Worth Mentioning

BOOKS: The Colonial Coalition

BOOKS: Presumptuous Presuppositions

BOOKS: Sacred Database

Reformed Aliens

CONVERSATIONS: Insider Turned Out

ARTICLE: Muriel’s Blessing

ARTICLE: Becoming Like Christ

Editorial

EDITORIAL: Tonight Show Prophecy

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EDITORIAL: Mad at the Mouse

LETTERS: Perplexed parents of the God-man

Confessions of a W.A.S.P.

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