NEW YORK (AP)  --  A judge says New York City can't stop an 80-year-old Manhattan church from staying alive through a catering contract despite complaints from prominent people.

Judge Deborah Batts ruled Tuesday that the city had treated the Third Church of Christ, Scientist less fairly than nonreligious entities.

The church sued after the city tried to block a 3-year-old contract that allowed a catering company to use church grounds in return for millions of dollars in capital repairs, rent and ongoing maintenance.

The judge wrote that the city was going to block the catering after complaints from prominent people including former Vice Presidential candidate Geraldine Ferraro.

City lawyer Gabriel Taussig said the city was disappointed by the ruling and will appeal.