Church fined $55,000, held in contempt for holding indoor services

Pastor Mike McClure of Calvary Chapel San Jose (right) defends his church's actions. NBC News screenshot

A church has been found in contempt of court and issued with a fine, after it continued to hold indoor church services with hundreds of congregants in attendance not wearing face coverings.

Calvary Church in San Jose, California has continued to hold in-person services for months, despite public health restrictions prohibiting large indoor gatherings in the county.

Senior Pastor Michael McClure and Calvary Church were found in contempt by a Santa Clara County Court judge this week for violating a restraining order issued at the start of November ordering the church to halt in-person services and gatherings.

The court fined the church $2,500 for each day it violated the county's health order. It is believed that the fines could add up to a total of $55,000.  

The judge also had the power to put Pastor McClure in jail for the continued breaches, but this was not threatened.

Pastor McClure defended the church's actions, saying that he was not opposed to the wearing of face coverings, and that "if someone wants to wear one, wear one".

He added, "But I'm not a policeman, I'm a pastor. I respect the judge. I understand what the laws are, but there's a bigger law. When I have to get told, 'you got to either follow God or you follow man,' I have to follow what God's Word says."

The church hopes to appeal the ruling. It has requested that the federal government intervene on behalf of the church.

Santa Clara County Counsel James R. Williams, who helped file the lawsuit against the church said, "These public health orders are literally a matter of life and death; they are designed to reduce COVID-19 transmission, avoid serious illness, and save lives. This entity's ongoing violations put the whole community at risk, and they won't be tolerated."

It is reported that Calvary Church in San Jose continued to hold services in violation of restrictions, gathering around 600 for indoor services, despite county Covid rules prohibiting the gathering of more than 100 people indoors at such events.

News
Kelsey Grammer says he nearly lost faith after beloved sister's horrific murder
Kelsey Grammer says he nearly lost faith after beloved sister's horrific murder

“Frasier” actor Kelsey Grammer opened up about how he “cursed God” following the murder of his sister, but love — and a “reawakening” that happened while promoting the film “Jesus Revolution” — restored his faith. 

Mainz Cathedral unveils world’s 'largest Bible page' to honour Gutenberg
Mainz Cathedral unveils world’s 'largest Bible page' to honour Gutenberg

Mainz Cathedral in Germany is showcasing the world’s largest Bible page to the public in honour of the 625th birthday of Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press and producer of the Gutenberg Bible.

Council backs down on street preaching restrictions
Council backs down on street preaching restrictions

A council in Hampshire has agreed to withdraw attempts to impose a court injunction restricting Christian street preaching and other activities in public spaces. 

The unyielding faith of one woman that shook an empire
The unyielding faith of one woman that shook an empire

In the year AD 203, a young woman named Vibia Perpetua stepped into a Roman arena in Carthage, North Africa. The crowd jeered, wild beasts prowled, and death was certain. Yet she did not hesitate.