Posted on 12/29/2020 4:51:47 PM PST by brownwill6767
They sat close together — hundreds of them — holding candles in the cavernous sanctuary of Legacy Church on Christmas Day, few of them appearing to wear masks.
Photos and video of that gathering and a Christmas Eve service at Calvary Church have drawn public outrage on social media and on Monday the state Department of Health notified the two churches that they were each being fined $5,000 for violating New Mexico’s public health orders. Those orders, aimed at stopping the spread of COVID-19, limit occupancy of churches and other public spaces, mandate the wearing of masks and urge social distancing.
The DOH notice said that in addition to the $5,000 fines, “other remedies against the same conduct” will be taken as allowed by state statute, although these were not detailed.
(Excerpt) Read more at abqjournal.com ...
But the churches are pushing back.
Legacy Church, in a statement, accused state officials of trampling on their rights.
“We have taken the pandemic seriously from the start, and have prudent measures in place. But when governments exceed their constitutional authority and contradict what we are called on by God to do, we answer first to His authority.”
Calvary’s chief Pastoral Officer, Neil Oritz, explained that the church “experienced a significant attendance on one of the most celebrated and sacred days of our Christian faith.” In response to the large turnout, the church “chose not to break fellowship with any worshiper by requiring them to leave the gathering of their church family.”
Praise GOD! PUshing back against attempts to divide and conquer us, all without firing a shot!
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
I’m really struggling to see the WuFlu, great reset globull warming, and other exceptions to this, the first, amendment. But I’m sure our “chief justice” would be able to point it out.
Don’t pay.
I wonder the number that were outraged?
I don't know the number who were outraged but coincidentally their names were all the same.
Karen, I believe it was.....
The Supreme Court also ruled against Cuomo's onerous church rules.
The commies are pushing the envelope and exceeding their constitutional authorities.
Ping
Why Megachurches?
Because that’s where the money is.
I’m willing to bet they will be unable to find any huge cluster or spread as a result.
Tell it to Peter bro...
"Those who accepted Peter’s message were baptized. God brought about three thousand people into the community on that day." (Acts 2:41)"But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand." (Acts 4:4)
Long overdue!
Why has this taken so long?
We’ve been at Acts 5:29 for nine months.
I meant, why are they fining the Megachurches?
Ahhh... got it! 😊
It is a very simple First Amendment right
We have the freedom of religion, press and the right to freely assemble. No caveats were stated, nor implied
This would be one time that the Lord would understand a double barreled biker salute from a bunch of fed up Christians, especially the kids, to our so called betters.
Two birds with one stone: Work on destroying the Church and fund perverts at the same time.
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