Court Rules CA Megachurch Can Hold Indoor Services

The Christian Post reports:

Pastor John MacArthur, whose Grace Community Church had been holding in-person services in violation of the state’s COVID-19 health orders, is celebrating a California court’s vindication of their right to hold indoor worship with no cap on attendance or a ban on singing.

While Los Angeles County was seeking a restraining order to stop the pastor from holding any in-person services, Judge James Chalfant of Los Angeles Superior Court on Friday agreed with MacArthur and his church that it is the county’s burden to show why they should be permitted to infringe on the constitutionally protected rights of churches to freely exercise religion, the Thomas More Society said in a statement.

“We will obey God rather than men,” MacArthur said. “We’re going to be faithful to the Lord and we’re going to leave the results to Him. Whatever happens is going to be what He allows to happen. But He will be on our side because we will be obedient and faithful to His word.”

?BREAKING w/ @PaulJonna:

An HISTORIC WIN today for @johnmacarthur and @GraceComChurch! Judge allows indoor services with singing and no attendance cap! Church agrees to adhere to mask and social distancing until full hearing.

FIRST CA Court to recognize #ChurchIsEssential!

— Jenna Ellis (@JennaEllisEsq) August 14, 2020

Big Win: A California judge ruled today that Pastor John MacArthur and Grace Community Church can hold indoor church services (and sing songs). MacArthur had been defying lockdown orders – had 7,000 in attendance last Sunday.

— Stonewall Jackson (@1776Stonewall) August 15, 2020

Kinda…As part of the ruling:

“…counsel for Grace Community Church offered to comply with mask wearing and social distancing indoors until the matter could be fully heard, rather than the County simply rushing to shut down the Church.”

The full trial will be in September.

— MehToo (@MyMehMan) August 15, 2020

PREVIOUSLY ON JMG: John MacArthur says gay people do not exist. MacArthur signs petition condemning churches that advocate for social justice. MacArthur declares that Christianity which isn’t “offensive” about homosexuality isn’t really Christianity at all. MacArthur signs statement declaring that Jesus hates people who don’t hate LGBTs.