(ETH) – A Church in California will be going to court today after Santa Clara County has filed a lawsuit against them for worshipping together during indoor services. According to CBN News, Calvary Chapel in San Jose has been gathering indoors since May and which has resulted in the Church facing fines up to $350,000.
The CA county limits indoor gatherings to a limit of 100 people, but nearly 600 are gathering to hear Pastor Mike McClure although the church has the capacity to hold 1,900 people. McClure told his congregants this past Sunday, “There are people who are accusing us that we are trying to kill people, that we don’t care about people…
That’s the farthest thing from the truth.” According to CBN News, California-based legal group Advocates for Faith and Freedom is representing Calvary Chapel and stated early on they would not adhere to the county restrictions on indoor worship services. Rather, but instead would follow guidance from President Trump’s assertions that “in-church worship was an essential function.”
Attorney Mariah Gondeiro is reportedly defending Calvary Chapel and stresses that the county’s actions are unjustified and “pure fear-mongering” and there have been zero positive COVID-19 cases reported among congregants. “The fact that they waited five months to bring this temporary restraining order, and the church has seen no COVID-19 undermines the idea that there is some type of emergency,” she added.
“The virus, by all scientific measures, is no worse than the seasonal flu, and Santa Clara County remains in one of the lowest tiers,” the church’s complaint reads. “Plaintiffs have also outwardly supported super spreader events like protests in the streets.” Pastor McClure is vowing to keep his church open after seeing members suffer from emotional and mental anguish due to the pandemic lockdown. The Pastor stated:
“The church has experienced a significant increase in spiritual and mental distress,” the motion reads. “Pastor Mike McClure has been in contact with people who are suffering from anxiety, depression, and even thoughts of suicide. The church services have played a vital role in sustaining the congregation’s spiritual, emotional, and mental wellbeing.” “I’m just gonna keep ministering to people because it’s not just services that we do. We do a lot of things to help people,” McClure said. “We’re gonna keep helping the hurting.”
