Constitutional rights don't die in a time of virus or crisis. In any crisis we face, we don't simply ignore our Constitution...neither do we ignore God.

As you may already know, Liberty Counsel is defending Pastor Rodney Howard-Browne of The River Church in Tampa, Florida.

Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister arrested Pastor Howard-Browne on Monday, even though he assured him last Thursday the church could meet on Sunday. The unlawful arrest came despite the fact that the church had implemented health and safety measures above and beyond what is required of an "essential services" business.

Will you allow government agencies to force our Churches to close on Easter? — Take a stand now

But Pastor Howard-Browne was still carted off to jail and now faces up to 60 days behind bars in a jail from which the Sheriff is releasing hardened criminals due to the coronavirus.

Apparently, during a health emergency in Hillsborough County, rapists and thieves go free, but pastors and preachers could languish behind bars.

Pastor Howard-Browne's arrest has raised great controversy, even among believers, as to whether a local government entity is empowered to force a church to close. What saddens me the most is that this could even be a topic of debate in America, which has always held that churches are essential to our daily lives.

A stanza from a popular Christian song comes to mind as we debate whether churches are or are not "essential services." This debate is raging not only in the eyes of man, but in the eyes of American governments, great and small. "Is He worthy?" the song asks. Then comes the answer, "He is, He is, He is worthy, He is!"

I say that our Lord IS worthy, that He is always worthy, and especially now.

And I would also say that God is using this trying time to establish that churches ARE essential to America! Churches are more than a sermon. That is a podcast — not a church!

The question is whether we, His people, truly believe that He is worthy of our worship and praise — in a building, in the streets and in our homes. Is He worthy of taking a stand to defend our constitutional, First Amendment RIGHT to worship Him without a government dictating the terms?

We are fast approaching the most important week in Christendom — Palm Sunday through Easter, the celebration of God's new covenant with us through His risen Son, Jesus Christ.

Will you and I allow government agencies to force churches to be closed during the Holiest of all weeks? — Take a stand now.

And please join us in praying for those so in love with their dreams of power that they dare think they can issue ordinances against the worship of the Lord God Almighty. Please help us fight to ensure that no government entity, whether great or small, can mandate that His people be silenced or His church be closed.

No government official should be allowed to deem Him, the God of all gods, the Alpha and the Omega, the Maker of heaven and earth, "non-essential."

Is He worthy? Yes, He is!

Please, give generously today to help Liberty Counsel ensure that ALL who want or need the comfort of a church sanctuary, and the survival-assistance services of a congregation, are able to receive them.

Please give so that no level of government — not federal, not state, not county and not even a local sheriff can EVER "prohibit the free exercise of religion" by the American people!

In Christ,

Mat Staver,
Founder and Chairman
Liberty Counsel