Today, more than 1,200 members of the clergy sent a letter, linked HERE, to the Governor of California advising him that they will be resuming church services with or without permission.
Over 1,200 California clergy signed the Declaration of Essentiality, linked HERE, affirming that they will resume in-person church services on the Day of Pentecost, May 31, 2020.
“This act of solidarity between members of the clergy from varying denominations, ethnic backgrounds, and geographic locations is unprecedented in recent times,” said Robert Tyler, President of Advocates for Faith & Freedom and partner in the law firm Tyler & Bursch, LLP, that has a significant practice representing religious organizations.
The Declaration of Essentiality has gained national momentum and is influencing clergy in other states that are also facing overly restrictive and unconstitutional orders.
Statewide Zoom meetings have been held by religious leaders with more than 500 pastors in the meetings at a time. “These pastors are willing to stand against the state and face fines or penalties in order to fulfill their calling and the essential needs of those around them,” Tyler said. “We believe religious organizations have a constitutional right to assemble for religious purposes just as the Sixth Circuit Federal Court of Appeal recently ruled. If it is okay to stand in line at Costco, it should be okay to stand in prayer at church.”
