Posted on 04/02/2020 5:57:47 PM PDT by marshmallow
CENTRAL, La. (AP) — Buses and cars filled a Louisiana church parking lot for another service Tuesday evening as worshippers flocked to hear a Louisiana pastor who is facing misdemeanor charges for holding services despite a ban on gatherings amid the coronavirus pandemic.
A few protesters turned out, too, including a man shouting through a bullhorn against those gathering at the Life Tabernacle Church in the city of Central, where pastor Tony Spell has been holding services. Another demonstrator held up a sign reading: "God don't like stupid."
Afterward, people began leaving the church, some chatting outside the front doors, and many appearing to not be adhering to social distancing recommendations to remain at least six feet (2 meters) apart. Hugs and handshakes were shared freely as people said their goodbyes and departed.
Hours earlier on Tuesday, Spell was issued a summons for holding services previously at the church in violation of the governor's order banning gatherings.
"Come out, Tony. Come tell us why you're endangering people's lives," the man with the bullhorn shouted Tuesday evening, directing his words at the pastor.
Flanked by some of his congregation, including children and older people, Spell emerged from the church later Tuesday night and said he is going to keep his church doors open. He said he doesn't consider keeping his doors open any different than keeping the doors of Walmart open. Spell also compared going to church to going to the hospital, but for spiritual healing.
(Excerpt) Read more at religionnews.com ...
Quarantine them all in the church if that is where they need to be. Problem solved.
The Flu Bros on here should be fine with this.
A photo from inside the church would help judge the level of stupid.
I don’t care what these people do to themselves. It’s the fact that they will spread it to others who are innocent of this tomfoolery.
The original order from the governor did NOT prohibit gathering to worship: https://gov.louisiana.gov/assets/Proclamations/2020/JBE-33-2020.pdf (see Section 3).
I would guess that is where some of the confusion rests. When orders are changed to exclude what was formerly allowed, it gets confusing.
Just to add: I’ve never heard of this guy so not defending him from any personal feelings about him or his church one way or the other. Just pointing out that there has been more than one version of Louisiana’s “stay at home”.
Idiots. One third of the current cases in Sacramento County are from two churches. They don’t have the right to endanger others in the community! Let them hole up in their churches if they are worried about their rights. Just dont leave and spread it.
So many fraidy-cats at FR.
On the first Passover even God told Israel to quarantine themselves so that they would be protected from the death plague.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.