New pastor trying to grasp situation with city about camping at church

White took over at Wesley Methodist in midst of fight with city hall

The new pastor of Wesley United Methodist Church in La Crosse has taken the job in the midst of a fight with city hall. 

Wesley White, who started at the first of this month, said he’s just trying to get a handle on the dispute involving homeless people camping out in the church’s courtyard. He plans to continue allowing the camping.

And that’s fine, says La Crosse fire chief Gregg Cleveland, as long as it’s done legally. Cleveland said his department still has to protect the safety of those who the church is sheltering, and so will enforce the city rules that insure that safety.

It was just a few weeks ago that Cleveland’s inspection department notified the church by letter that the campground was violating city ordinances.

The letter came after inspections and complaints from the church’s neighbors. A new letter this week from the department details options the church can take to go about their ministry in accordance with city codes.