Supreme Court takes up Kentucky church’s prayer grotto dispute

The Supreme Court agreed to hear a Kentucky church’s challenge over plans to build a prayer grotto, taking up how federal law defines a “substantial burden” on religious exercise in land-use disputes.

The Missionaries of St. John the Baptist sought a permit for the grotto behind its church in Park Hills. Local officials approved the project in 2021, but neighboring property owners challenged that decision in court. Kentucky’s Supreme Court ruled against the church on its federal religious land-use claim in December 2025.

The justices will consider whether barring a religious institution from building a religious structure on its property constitutes a substantial burden under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act. The case could clarify protections for religious organizations seeking to use their property for worship or religious activities.

Read the full story at Fox News.