The pastor of a large California church said Tuesday his congregation will not stop meeting for indoor worship despite fines from the county that have topped $50,000.
Jack Trieber, pastor of North Valley Baptist Church in Santa Clara, Calif., said in a new video on the church’s Facebook page that Santa Clara County posted an additional order on the church’s doors this week and is fining the congregation $5,000 for each service. The video includes a screen capture of the order.
“They've ratcheted this thing up,” Trieber said.
Health regulations from the city and county prohibit the church from gathering or singing indoors.
The county previously gave the church a cease-and-desist order and claimed the congregation was not social distancing during indoor worship. Trieber, though, says the congregation is social distancing.
(A video on the church’s Facebook page shows individuals social distancing while worshiping during a service.)
All total, the congregation has been fined $52,750.
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The county’s order calls it an “unlawful indoor gathering.” It also says attendees are not wearing masks.
Trieber pleaded with the county to stop the fines. He also asked Americans for prayer and support.
He read from the Bill of Rights: “Congress shall make no law – no law – [respecting] the establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,” he said.
“If we don't stop it here ... it's going to sweep all over the United States of America,” he said.
“Government cannot take away our freedom. You cannot take our right to assemble.”
The order states:.. “If you do not immediately correct the violations, the County may take additional legal action against you, including civil or criminal prosecution, with additional resulting penalties, fees, and costs.”-Christian Headlines
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