When officials in Los Angeles County were prevented by a judge from shutting down worship at Grace Community Church, by a ruling that is effective until a full court hearing later, they didn't wait.
They struck back by issuing a notice to the church that they were canceling a lease the church has had for not quite 50 years to use a bit of county land for parking.
"This is harassment, abusive, and unconscionable," said a statement from, Jenna Ellis, a lawyer who has been working on behalf of the church.
"Los Angeles County is retaliating against Grace Community Church for simply exercising their constitutionally protected right to hold church and challenging an unreasonable, unlawful healthy order," she continued. "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 statement, provided to Gateway Pundit, continued, "The Democrats' message to Americans is clear – if you do not bow to every whim of tyranny, 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."
The essence of the problem is that the county – and other city, county and state officials across the nation – have banned events like church services claiming there is danger from coronavirus. But at the same time they have allowed – even promoted – riots in which thousands have gathered. They also have called abortion businesses and marijuana stores "essential" and said they can remain open, but ordered churches closed.
MacArthur has explained that it is commanded by God for his people to come together in worship.
John MacArthur
The county, in a letter delivered over the weekend, ordered the church to vacate the property, remove any of its personal property from the parking area, because the lease was ending effecting Oct. 1.
"If Grace fails to vacate the premise as required, the district may enter the premises and remove Grace's personal property in accordance with the agreement and applicable law, and Grace will be responsible for any resultant expenses incurred…" the warning states.
The church has been paying $8,301.14 per month for the use of the parking area.
It was just last week that a California Superior Court judge denied Los Angeles County's demand for a temporary restraining order to prevent church members from meeting.
Judge Mitchell L. Beckloff held that the county did not meet statutory requirements and that the Court of Appeal's order did not justify a new temporary restraining order. It was the county's fourth unsuccessful attempt to obtain a court order prohibiting indoor worship services at Grace Community Church.
"The court correctly concluded that Los Angeles County's renewed application for a temporary restraining order was both procedurally and substantively defective," said Thomas More Society special counsel Paul Jonna.
"We look forward to fully vindicating our clients’ constitutionally protected rights in subsequent proceedings for this important case," he said.
Los Angeles County's latest order concerning houses of worship, July 29, limits indoor gatherings to 100 people or 25% of the building's capacity, whichever is lower.
MacArthur said he sees the county's action against his church as "an illegitimate misuse of power."
"It should shock the conscience of every Christian that churches are coming under assault from our own government simply for holding church," he said. "Church is essential."
County officials have said they would consider fines of up to $20,000 against the church for holding indoor services.
MacArthur previously filed lawsuits against Gov. Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Xavier Becerra, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and county health officials.
He alleges they have unconstitutionally treated church gatherings differently than other events, such as protests,
The post 'Unconscionable': County retaliates against church that got green light to worship appeared first on WND.
