New York City churches will be allowed to continue holding Sunday services in public schools.

A federal court issued a permanent injunction that keeps the school district from enforcing its ban on renting school buildings for worship.

The Alliance Defense Fund served as the churches' legal representation.

"The court's order allows churches and other religious groups to meet for worship services in empty school buildings on weekends on the same terms as other groups," ADF Senior Counsel Jordan Lorence said in a statement.

"Churches that have been helping communities for years can continue to offer the hope that empty buildings can't," he added.

Friday's ruling is the latest chapter in an ongoing legal battle that began when the Bronx Household of Faith challenged the policy 16 years ago.

The churches' fight may not be over as New York City is likely to appeal the case to the Second Circuit.

"ADF will continue to defend this constitutionally protected right if the city chooses to continue using taxpayer money to evict the very groups that are selflessly helping the city's communities, including the public schools themselves," Lorence said.