Gov't Spies in Churches and More...
Did you ever
imagine in America there would be government spies in your church with the
intent of closing it? Did you ever imagine government officials and local
judges would deem worship or singing to be “illegal”? Neither did I, but it is
happening. Read on to learn more about the perilous state of religious freedom
in America. -Mat
California has issued the worst edicts in
the nation against churches. CA Gov. Gavin Newsom first ordered no singing and
chanting and then banned ALL worship, which includes Bible studies and
fellowships in private homes.
But some California churches, pastors and
congregants know that they must obey God. And that Caesar has no authority over
the church.
Now, several of the pastors who chose to
obey God rather than illegal, unconstitutional government edicts are being
punished.
On August 7, Ventura County court issued a
restraining order against Pastor Rob McCoy of Godspeak
Calvary Chapel and “Does 1-1000,” along with anyone “acting in concert with
them” who might worship in the future.
On August 21, the same court held Pastor
McCoy in contempt. Godspeak Calvary Chapel has been
fined 3,000 dollars so far – at the rate of 500 dollars for each worship
service. New fines will be levied for every future service and the pastor could
face prison if the people continue to worship.
Meanwhile, Santa Clara County officials
sent “spies” to North Valley Baptist Church, looking for reasons to fine and
close the church. The church was fined a total of 10,000 dollars for meeting
and SINGING in each of the church’s two services last Sunday - 5,000 dollars
for each service.
County officials posted a four-page letter
on the front door of the church, in which the county admitted sending the spies
into the church service and declared their worship “unlawful.”
Did you ever think America would reach a
point at which singing praises unto our Lord would be an “unlawful” act worthy
of a 5,000 dollar fine per incident? Or that government officials would send
spies into a church with the intent of shutting down that church?
North Valley Baptist complied with
Newsom’s orders for a long time. But after 26 weeks, in a county with 2.1
million people, only 224 have died – a third of which were in nursing homes.
The massive death toll Newsom and other scaremongers predicted never arrived.
During that time, North Valley Baptist...
Stopped having in-person worship services
Closed the K4 through 12 Christian school
Closed the college that trains men and
women from all over the country
Closed the bus ministry that has brought
1.5 million people to church
Closed the jail ministry
Closed the public-school ministry
Closed ministry to 14 rest homes
Closed door-to-door visitations
Closed hospital visitations
Closed all children’s ministries
Closed Sunday School.
Pastor Jack Trieber
said, “Little children and parents are weeping. They want to come to church.
You can’t make laws against the church. We have the right to worship. But more
than a right from the Constitution, we have a command from God.”
“I’m in charge of the spiritual health of
the people in this city and this area. Health is important but spiritual health
is supreme. And because we have been locked out of this county’s churches...
...suicide is up, domestic violence is up,
drug addiction is up, homelessness and alcoholism are up. We need to get back
to worshipping God. I am commanded to worship God. I plead with you... Back
off! Open up the spiritual environment of this valley immediately.”
May God help and preserve us during this
time of trials.
Our clients Harvest Rock Church and Pastor
Ché Ahn received a letter
from the Pasadena City Prosecutor threatening daily criminal charges and fines.
Each criminal charge carries up to one year in prison and these threats also
extend to parishioners. We are in federal court challenging these
unconstitutional restrictions.
Gov. Newsom’s orders allow the church to
feed, shelter, and provide social services, but the same people in the same
building cannot worship. In other words, non-religious services are acceptable
but religious services are banned.
People can receive food, but not take
communion. People can be housed overnight, but cannot hold a short worship
service, Bible study, or meet for prayer. People can receive counseling to find
work but cannot be counseled on finding eternal life.
The same governor who encourages mass
protests, bans all worship, even in private homes. The same governor who says
the church can meet to provide secular services, bans the church from having
religious worship.
This unconstitutional hostility against
religious worship must end.
Liberty Counsel is representing over 162
churches in California and we are also litigating in Maine, Virginia, Kentucky,
and Illinois. And we are working with several thousand pastors and churches in
44 states.
No pastor or churchgoer should have to
wonder if they will be criminally charged for attending worship. This should
not happen in America! Not on our watch!
WE WILL NOT LET AMERICA’S PRECIOUS
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM DIE ON OUR WATCH!
This fight is expensive, and the legal
expenses will continue to grow. That is why I am so thankful these pastors and
churches have YOU to defend them.
Liberty Counsel never charges for our
services. We rely on God’s provision via faithful supporters like you. And for
a limited time, a challenge grant will effectively DOUBLE THE IMPACT OF YOUR
DONATION! Please, do not let this opportunity pass by. Simply select here or
the button below.
Please continue to be in prayer for
America. The church closures are symptomatic of a deeper darkness spreading
across our land. Pray for the light of our Lord to shine brighter on this land
than ever before. By God’s grace, we shall all prevail!
In Christ,
Mat Staver
Founder &
Chairman