PITTSBURGH—The state American Civil Liberties Union said in a lawsuit that a western Pennsylvania borough violated a church’s religious freedom by refusing to allow the house of worship to shelter homeless people.

The First Apostles’ Doctrine Church in Brookville has allowed homeless people to stay at the parsonage for a few years. The Rev. Jack L. Wisor said the church, about 80 miles northeast of Pittsburgh, is following the Bible’s teaching to care for the poor and homeless.

The borough recently cited the church for violating zoning regulations by operating a group home. The church has appealed.

Witold Walczak, ACLU state legal director, said the timing of the closure couldn’t be worse, with winter fast approaching and demand for shelter beds exceeding supply.

The borough’s solicitor, Stephen French, declined comment, saying he had not seen the suit. It was filed Monday in U.S. District Court in Pittsburgh.