On August 12th Los Angeles County filed charges prohibiting Grace Community Church from holding religious services. But a local judge decided in favor of Grace Community Church to allow religious service if congregants wore face coverings and practiced social distancing.
Pastor John MacArthur said at the time that the church was meeting indoors because it was their constitutional right and that it was commanded by God for his people to come together in worship.
Factories, pot shops, liquor stores and department stores are allowed to stay open but not houses of worship.
County officials were outraged at the judge’s decision this week telling the LA Times, “It is deeply disappointing that the Court decided not to grant the County’s request for a temporary restraining order prohibiting Grace Community Church from holding indoor services. We look forward to a favorable ruling when a full hearing is heard on the matter.”
County officials did not sit back after losing last week’s ruling.
On Sunday Los Angeles County sent a letter of eviction to Grace Community Church from a county owned parking lot. They informed the church they can no longer use the parking lot they have used for over four decades.
Los Angeles officials gave church officials 30 days to evacuate the premises.
The county broke their agreement that was in affect since for 45 years.
Constitutional Law Attorney Jenna Ellis, Special Counsel to Thomas More Society, released this statement on the eviction notice.
This is government tyranny.
“Los Angeles County is retaliating against Grace Community Church for simply exercising their constitutionally protected right to hold church and challenging an unreasonable, unlawful health order. In America, we have a judicial system to ensure that the executive branch does not abuse its power, and Grace Community Church has every right to be heard without fear of reprisal. The Democrats’ message to Americans is clear–if you do not bow to every whim of tyranny, the government will come after you. The Church has peacefully held this lease for 45 years and the only reason the County is attempting eviction is because John MacArthur stood up to their unconstitutional power grab. This is harassment, abusive, and unconscionable.”
As Attorney Ellis said, this is nothing more than harassment and abuse!
Here is the full eviction notice plus the contracts with the church that date back to 2001.
For the past 45 years Grace Community Church has leased a large portion of its parking lot from Los Angeles County.
On Friday the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works terminated that agreement – no doubt in retaliation for the church invoking its Constitutional rights to gather for Sunday worship.
If Grace fails to vacate the premise as required, the District may enter the premises and remove Grace’s personal property,” the letter said.
The California mega-church was given 30-days to to vacate the property. The church had been paying $8301.41 per month to use the parking lot.
"Los Angeles County is retaliating against Grace Community Church for simply exercising their constitutionally protected right to hold church and challenging an unreasonable, unlawful health order,” Thomas More Society special counsel Jenna Ellis said in a statement to the Todd Starnes Show.
“In America, we have a judicial system to ensure that the executive branch does not abuse its power, and Grace Community Church has every right to be heard without fear of reprisal,” she said. “The Democrats’ message to Americans is clear–if you don’t bow to every whim of tyranny, the government will come after you.”
There’s no word on where church members will be able to park once they are evicted by the county.
“The Church has peacefully held this lease for 45 years and the only reason the County is attempting eviction is because John MacArthur stood up to their unconstitutional power grab,” Ellis said. “This is harassment, abusive, and unconscionable.”
It is indeed harassment and abuse. So here’s what we need you to do: contact the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.
Mark Pestrella, the director of public works, is responsible for writing the eviction letter. His telephone number is 626-458-7000. His email is mpestrella@pw.lacounty.gov.
James Sparks is the assistant deputy director. His email is jsparks@pw.lacounty.gov.
I truly believe that God has the final say. Look to the Lord! He has spoken & if one broadens their view they’ll see that California was given a warning. They just recently reported a fire twister- or pillar of fire- and now millions of acres are burning. We are so close to his return! How blessed are we to be the generation to witness and experience this moment!! May the peace of Jesus Christ be with you all!
ReplyDeleteAgree Sister Rebecca! I can't imagine the arrogance these County Executives are demonstrating but I would not want to be in their shoes. The LORD certainly doesn't see the need to make sure I understand everything He is or is not doing BUT...I'm going to be shocked if this order stands.
ReplyDelete