Posted on 08/14/2020 8:10:24 PM PDT by SeekAndFind
A California court rejected Friday efforts by Los Angeles County to require a popular megachurch to comply with pandemic orders, allowing the church to hold indoor services with singing and without attendance limits pending a resolution of the case.
Superior Court Judge James Chalfant denied the county’s request for a temporary restraining order against Grace Community Church after the church began holding indoor services July 26 in defiance of state and county rules aimed at combating the novel coronavirus, according to a press release from the Thomas More Society.
Attorney Jenna Ellis called it a “historic win,” tweeting that the court was the first in California “to recognize #churchisessential.”
The Thomas More Society, which represented the church, said the judge ruled “it is the County’s burden to show why it should be permitted to infringe on the constitutionally protected rights of churches to freely exercise religion, but also expressing safety concerns.”
At the same time, the church agreed to comply with mask-wearing and social-distancing rules before the full hearing scheduled for Sept. 4.
Grace Community Church Pastor John MacArthur said in a statement that “we are happy for a few weeks to comply and respect what the judge has asked of us because he is allowing us to meet.”
“This vindicates our desire to stay open and serve our people,” said Mr. MacArthur. “This also gives us an opportunity to show that we are not trying to be rebellious or unreasonable, but that we will stand firm to protect our church against unreasonable, unconstitutional restrictions.”
Ms. Ellis called it a “huge vindication for Pastor John and the Board of Elders at Grace Community Church, who have simply asked for their right to worship the Lord together in church to be acknowledged and protected.”
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
Praise God.
Amen! But do not think the battle is over, it has only begun.
It might be seen as snotty....but retaining their own epidemiologist or virologist to inform them on proper anti-infective procedures would be good. Tracking the people who attend would also verify that the procedures are working. The capriciously enforced dictums by the county are an embarassment.
Good news, indeed. Pastor John MacArthur’s bravery was rewarded. He must share some of the chromosomes of his relative General Douglas MacArthur.
RE: He must share some of the chromosomes of his relative General Douglas MacArthur.
How are they related?
The battle will continue, and we will prevail. This is a much, much larger win than anyone can imagine coming out of California. Amen, and my thanks to MacArthur for being strong, many pastors across America have folded, surrendered and cowered in fear.
The battle will continue, and we will prevail. This is a much, much larger win than anyone can imagine coming out of California. Amen, and my thanks to MacArthur for being strong, many pastors across America have folded, surrendered and cowered in fear.
God bless this judge. We need thousands more like him.
G-d be praised!
I wish many more churches would do this!
half a kow tow is still a kow tow. No tracking of American Citizens without a warrant — ever! If you’re afraid of the virus - stay home, and let the rest of us live our lives in peace and without totalitarian nanny overlords.
Unfortunately democrats consider any court ruling they disagree with as being unenforceable. Obama led by example.
Yeah; the church gave in on the masks. Most members hadn’t been wearing them.
The left never quits. They will just keep looking for a judge that will agree with them and rule against the church. In California there must be dozens.
Cousins. https://www.wortholino.com/john-macarthur-net-worth-bio/
Hopefully experts on mask ineffectiveness and healthy immune systems will jump into the battle.
Wouldn’t it be amazing if the church shut down all the bs?
Prayers up!
So true.
Very excellent!
#churchisessential
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