In much of California, it is now illegal to have any public or private worship. Yes, even worship in private homes with people other than the occupants is banned! That is why we are filing suit. -Mat

Houses of worship have been shut down for about 80 percent of California residents. Even home Bible studies, fellowship meetings and private worship services are banned. Liberty Counsel's attorneys have thoroughly reviewed CA Gov. Newsom's new order, and the implications are deeply disturbing.

I'll get to the analysis of that order in a moment, but first I want to reflect on how outrageous it is that this sort of totalitarian, unconstitutional ban is threatening religious freedom here in America.

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But it is shocking that we are seeing churches closed and home worship declared illegal in America! Yet, that is what CA Gov. Gavin Newsom's draconian COVID orders have done here in the USA.

ANY in-home Bible study, small group meeting, private church service or any household gathering is now banned in the People's Republic of California.

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Under the March 19 Public Health Order (which can be found on the state of California's website), Gov. Newsom ordered "all individuals living in the State of California to stay home or at their place of residence." The only exception to that is for people to "obtain or perform" the goods or services in Critical Infrastructure Sectors.

Religious services are not considered Critical Infrastructure, so people cannot leave their homes to go to church or to other homes for a Bible study. Nor can any household host other people in their own home for church or a Bible study.

For most Californians, Gov. Newsom banned public worship and religious meetings, including home Bible studies and fellowship groups. In the minority of counties outside the "Monitoring List," small groups can meet for worship, but you cannot sing or chant and this also includes private home meetings with friends or neighbors.

The Q&A section posted at the CA government website, under the "Are gatherings permitted" section, says:

"State public health directives prohibit professional, social and community gatherings. Gatherings are defined as meetings or other events that bring together persons from multiple households at the same time for a shared or group experience in a single room, space, or place such as an auditorium, stadium, arena, large conference room, meeting hall, or other indoor or outdoor space." (emphasis added)

And, to the question, "Can I attend church," California says, "indoor services in places of worship must be discontinued." To the question, "Can I practice my religious faith," the state says, "in-person religious gatherings ... have been restricted..."

So, you cannot leave your home unless obtaining or performing a Critical Infrastructure service, which would itself preclude traveling to another person's home for Bible Study. And, because a gathering in the home of another individual would be "an event that brings together persons from multiple households," the directives explicitly prohibit them.

California is driving the church underground.

One can only wonder how long it will be until Gov. Newsom sends out uniformed agents to enforce his prohibition on in-home worship. WE CANNOT WAIT EVEN ONE MOMENT LONGER to ensure that neither Gov. Newsom, nor any other governor or local official, takes that tyrannical action.

Liberty Counsel is filing a federal lawsuit on behalf of over 160 California churches. We are challenging the ban of all religious worship and the ban on singing and chanting in the remaining counties.

We have cases at four separate federal Courts of Appeal, and we also represent a couple of thousand pastors and churches.

But the sheer volume of abuses against people of faith during this time of madness is staggering -- and so are the costs to defend our freedom against power hungry governors.

That's why I am so thankful for God's grace in sending us generous supporters like YOU. Cases like these are incredibly expensive and very few people, let alone church servants like pastors, could afford to take on the government and win.

That's why our legal services are always free of charge to our clients. And now, a longtime friend has established an extremely generous challenge grant which will automatically double YOUR donation's impact in helping Liberty Counsel win the battle for religious freedom. Please, make your best possible gift NOW and have DOUBLE the impact!

DON'T LET AMERICA'S CHURCHES BE DRIVEN UNDERGROUND! Select here to have your donation DOUBLED by the challenge grant!

We must take our stand NOW to ensure uniformed government agents don't appear at American Christians' doors.

"Fear not, for I am with you..." Isaiah 41:10

In Christ,

Mat Staver
Founder and Chairman

P.S. Tired of the shutdowns and unconstitutional restrictions on our liberty? Take a moment to tell all 50 governors to RESTORE OUR RIGHTS & RE-OPEN AMERICA! Select here. Select here.

P.P.S. Please do not let this challenge grant opportunity pass you by. America's pastors and churches are relying on YOU, a faithful Liberty Counsel supporter, to help ensure religious freedom remains FREE! Select here or the graphic below.