A judge is allowing a Los Angeles megachurch to hold indoor services despite health orders as long as it practices coronavirus safety measures.According to a tweet from Thomas More Society attorneys Ellis and LiMandri, the judge's order requires masks and social distancing, but does not impose a cap on attendance. The state order allowing church services to resume on May 31 imposed a cap of 100 people maximum, regardless of capacity. On July 13, Gov Newsom rescinded this order and prohibited any indoor services.Los Angeles County had sought a court order barring Grace Community Church in Sun Valley from holding the services, arguing that they were an immediate health threat.
He also set a September hearing on the county’s request for a preliminary injunction barring the church from holding indoor services.
Thus even this partial victory is the best news for California religious freedom since March, when the lockdown was imposed.
It isn't clear how other California churches may respond to this relaxation, but it's clearly not encouraging for state and county authorities, and it will presumably affect other ongoing cases, such as those in Pasadena and Thousand Oaks.
Earlier this week, a Ventura County judge refused to order the sheriff to enforce a temporary restraining order against the Godspeak Calvary Chapel in Thousand Oaks as well.
