East Central Reporter

Attorneys for the Redeemed Christian Church of Dolton, Illinois, are set to appear in federal court on March 26, 2024. They will request that the mayor of Dolton comply with existing laws. The church has filed a religious discrimination lawsuit against Mayor Tiffany Henyard and the Village of Dolton. Represented by the Chicago-based law firm Mauck & Baker, the church seeks a declaratory judgment or an injunction.

John Mauck, a partner at Mauck & Baker, claims that Mayor Henyard is exerting undue influence over village decisions. According to Mauck, "Henyard appears to be 'calling the shots,' based on statements by village employees." The lawsuit alleges that Dolton officials under Henyard's leadership have treated the church unlawfully by not adhering to zoning ordinances.

The Redeemed Christian Church has been active in Chicago’s south suburbs for ten years and purchased property at 703 E Sibley Boulevard in June 2023. This area is zoned for religious institutions. Despite this, the village has prevented the church from operating while allowing other nonreligious entities to use similar zones.

Mauck stated, “This is a blatant violation of religious civil rights, as well as an incredible disregard for the village’s own ordinances.” He noted that before purchasing the property, it was confirmed that churches were allowed under Dolton’s Zoning Code at this location.

During renovations, a building inspector informed the church it needed a business license. When Senior Pastor Stephen Osunkeye applied for one at Dolton Village Hall, Housing Director William Moore expressed skepticism about its approval due to Mayor Henyard's intention to keep Sibley Boulevard commercial.

Mauck argued that “the village lacks a rational or compelling reason” for denying the business license and called out what he sees as unconstitutional discrimination against houses of worship.

Mayor Henyard has faced criticism since taking office in 2021 amid allegations of extortion and fund misappropriation. On February 11, 2024, Dolton's board passed a resolution calling for an investigation into her spending practices after debt rose to $7 million—a resolution she vetoed on March 4.

For further details on legal proceedings: Read Plaintiff’s Motion for Declaratory Judgement filed on March 18 here: https://tinyurl.com/4mk56425; Read Verified Complaint filed on March 5 here: https://tinyurl.com/ywxe8zpn.

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