Dear John,
Last week, we wrote to you about the urgent need to help churches during this time of crisis. I’m forwarding that message to you to make sure you didn’t miss it.
As I write to you today, the need is weighing even more heavily on my heart.
Hundreds of churches have reached out to the ADF Church Alliance looking for help.
The demand for legal support for churches is higher than it’s ever been. The church needs you now, John.
Across the nation, churches have cooperated with federal, state, and local governments in working to slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
But some churches are facing local orders that go too far. Some regulations could prevent churches from livestreaming their services, and some ban drive-in church services altogether.
That’s what happened in Greenville, Mississippi.
Despite churches being named an essential service in Mississippi, the City of Greenville issued an order banning drive-in church services in the city. During Holy Week, eight uniformed police officers showed up at a drive-in service at Temple Baptist Church in Greenville. They issued $500 tickets per person for violating the City’s ban.
That same week, police officers shut down another drive-in church service in Greenville. When the pastor protested, citing his constitutional rights, an officer responded with, “your rights are suspended.”
Protecting public health is a huge concern right now. And most government officials are trying their best to handle a difficult situation.
But in places like Greenville, you can be in your car with the windows rolled down at a Sonic drive-in restaurant, but you can’t be in your car with the windows rolled up at a drive-in church service.
That makes no sense, John! And it’s unconstitutional.
ADF has filed a lawsuit on behalf of Temple Baptist Church.
But Mississippi isn’t the only state where we are seeing this government abuse of power to target churches. ADF is also looking into other matters across the country as well.
Today, you can help protect churches from becoming victims of government overreach.
You can provide churches with the legal ally they need by helping sponsor a church membership in the ADF Church Alliance.
Watching God work through your gifts is always inspiring, John. But lately, it’s been extra special to see how God is using you to help protect the freedom of so many churches to share the good news of the Gospel.
Without your prayers and financial support, this work isn’t possible.
Please act now to protect churches from government overreach during these challenging times. Because what affects the Church affects YOU.
Warmly,
Kristen K. Waggoner
Senior Vice President of U.S. Legal Division & Communications
Alliance Defending Freedom
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