LDS Church Pressures Texas Town Over Temple Approval
The ongoing dispute between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the town of Fairview, Texas, has reached a critical point. The church is urging town officials to approve a revised, downsized design for the proposed McKinney Texas Temple, a compromise reached in mediation last November. However, opposition from local residents and uncertainty among town officials have reignited tensions, with the church now considering legal action.
In a strongly worded letter, Daniel M. Trythall, a regional leader of the LDS Church, expressed concern over the town council’s apparent shift in stance regarding the agreement. He emphasized that the church remains willing to abide by the mediated compromise but insists on assurances that the town will uphold its end of the deal. Trythall warned that failure to do so could infringe upon the church’s religious rights, hinting at the possibility of legal intervention.
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Fairview’s mayor, Henry Lessner, has reiterated that the church must follow the standard application process, just like any other entity seeking to build in the town. He maintains that he personally supports the mediated design and believes the town council will approve it. However, he acknowledges the backlash from residents who feel the revised design, particularly the temple’s steeple height, remains excessive. To address concerns, he has even offered to meet with high-level church leaders to find common ground, but so far, his requests have gone unanswered.
The dispute stems from the original temple design, which proposed a 174-foot-high structure with a footprint of approximately 45,000 square feet. In mediation, the church agreed to reduce the height by about 54 feet and shrink the overall size to around 30,000 square feet. Despite this significant concession, some Fairview residents remain opposed, arguing that even the revised plan does not align with the town’s character and zoning expectations.
The legal landscape surrounding this case is complex. Federal and state laws, including the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) and the Texas Religious Freedom Restoration Act, protect religious institutions from undue governmental restrictions. The LDS Church contends that Fairview’s reluctance to approve the downsized design places an unjustified burden on its religious exercise. This argument strengthens the church’s position should the dispute escalate to the courts.
The situation remains fluid, with the church’s deadline to take legal action fast approaching. The town council now faces a pivotal decision: either uphold the mediated agreement and approve the downsized temple or risk a lawsuit that could have broader implications for local governance and religious land use laws. Meanwhile, community members on both sides continue to voice their opinions, underscoring the deep divide over this contentious issue.
As the March 28 deadline nears, all eyes are on Fairview’s leadership and the LDS Church. Will the town stand firm on its regulations, or will it yield to legal and public pressure? The answer could shape not only the fate of the McKinney Texas Temple but also set a precedent for similar disputes nationwide.
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