Dear ADF Friends,

I wouldn’t normally email you on a holiday weekend, but ADF needs your help. Churches are being targeted as we head into Easter.

Some officials have gone too far.

The Mayor of Greenville, Mississippi issued an executive order that bans drive-in church services, despite the governor’s order that identifies churches as an “essential business.”

It gets worse.

Eight uniformed police officers showed up to a Wednesday night drive-in service at Temple Baptist Church. They issued $500 tickets for each person violating the mayor’s ban!

This was not a large church gathering with people standing shoulder to shoulder. Everyone was in their own car with their windows rolled up listening to their pastor over the radio. No one got out of their cars.

It was a sign of unity. It was coming together. It was worship.

Just yesterday, ADF filed suit on behalf of Temple Baptist Church on the grounds that the mayor’s ban is unconstitutional and unnecessary.

Just down the street, the Sonic restaurant often has more people using the drive-in service than were in the church parking lot.

We continue to encourage churches to follow all legitimate safety rules. But the Constitution draws a line even in emergencies, and Greenville has crossed it.

In a parallel situation in Wilmington, NC, city officials reversed an identical rule after I researched and sent them a legal analysis.

These kinds of cases are increasing and our team is working very long hours—especially as churches want to celebrate Easter in a safe and appropriate fashion.

We truly need your help right now. This whole situation has impacted ADF as well.

I would truly appreciate any gift you are able send. And I would earnestly ask for your prayers.
 

Blessings.

Michael Farris

President, CEO & General Counsel