Toms River councilmembers faced sustained public opposition Wednesday after the township signaled plans to acquire the property occupied by Christ Episcopal Church through eminent domain for recreation uses and a proposed homeless facility.

The proposal drew dozens of residents and church representatives to the council chamber to say the church provides long‑running social services and that seizing the land would remove programs that serve dozens of local families. "To claim Christ's church for eminent domain. You will be displacing not just one church, but two," said the Reverend Dr. Carolyn Bradley, deacon at Christ Episcopal Church. "On the property is Christ Episcopal Church, which has been there for 160 years and has faithfully and lovingly served this community."

Church leaders and speakers outlined services that would be affected if the site is taken, including a food pantry, a clothing ministry, Family Promise rotations for homeless families and a memorial garden with about 325 interments. "Those who are in turn there. More importantly. It's a place of peace and solace," Bradley said. Deacon Ted Foley said the church and the Episcopal Diocese had not been contacted before the council's first reading of the ordinance, adding, "No one from the town council has reached out and not the town attorney. Nobody has reached out. We've never received notice about the first reading of the ordinance."

Township attorney Pasquarello told the council and the public he had made outreach after the first reading. "The day after the first reading, I reached out to Bishop French ... I gave her my number," he said, adding that he invited the diocese to meet with township officials and their legal counsel to discuss options. Pasquarello said he could provide records of that contact if requested.

Speakers framed the matter as more than land use, noting longstanding community services housed at the church and potential emotional distress tied to displacing burials. "The benefit to the Toms River community will be lost," Bradley said. Several speakers also urged the council to explore existing township parkland — including a five‑acre site at Clifton and Bachelor streets identified by residents — rather than pursue eminent domain of the church grounds.

Council members and administration officials responded in part during the meeting, with the mayor and others saying statutory notice for the second reading will be published and that the township had attempted post‑reading outreach. The council did not take a final vote on an ordinance to acquire the property at this meeting; public commenters said they were preparing petitions and legal challenges should the council proceed.

The debate over the church occurred amid broader public comment on homelessness, parks and downtown needs. Several speakers said temporary housing and other outreach would be a better use of funds than pursuing eminent domain. The council president and administration said they will follow the statutory process for the ordinance's next steps, including publishing notice for the second reading and allowing a public hearing before any final action.