Several pastors and a New York City councilman have been arrested at a protest against the city’s plans to evict worship services from school buildings.
Seven demonstrators, including Councilman Fernando Cabrera, were charged with trespass Thursday. Police say they refused to move from the entrance to the city’s Law Department in Manhattan.
The city has told about 60 churches they must stop holding worship services in public schools after Feb. 12. It argues separation of church and state and cites a court decision.
In addition, the city Housing Authority says it’s reviewing its policy on renting space to outside groups, including five churches.
An attorney representing some of the churches says about 25 people, mostly pastors, took part in the demonstration.
A call to Cabrera was not immediately returned.