Unconstitutional COVID restrictions and impractical limits are forcing churches to seek help from the courts this Christmas. In places like California, Massachusetts, Illinois, Nevada, New York, and Washington D.C. (and many more), new restrictions call out church attendees as a cause of the spread. Meanwhile, abortion clinics and liquor stores remain open, and consumers pack into big box stores for holiday shopping. Can we count on you to ask United States Attorney General William Barr to step in to protect churches from COVID restrictions aimed at preventing Christmas service and other religious gatherings? SIGN THE PETITION |
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Dear John,
A disturbing trend is starting to emerge, with some of the most unusual instances coming from blue states. Christmas is under attack by elected officials. Yes, you saw that correctly. With Christmas less than two weeks away, new COVID restrictions are pressuring pastors and other religious leaders to limit gatherings. In places like California, Massachusetts, Illinois, Nevada, New York, and Washington D.C. (and many more), restrictions call out church attendees as a cause of the spread. Meanwhile, consumers pack into big box stores for holiday shopping. In some states (much like Pennsylvania and Virginia), families are being told that they are prohibited from gathering to celebrate this holiday’s true meaning. This is springing up a meaningful call to action to protect Christmas. Can we count on you to ask United States Attorney General William Barr to step in to protect churches from unconstitutional COVID restrictions aimed at preventing services, mass, bible studies, weddings, and other religious gatherings?
Sign now to protect religious freedom. William Barr needs to hear from us. Encourage the Attorney General’s Office to step in to protect our rights this Christmas.
These insulting mandates (requirements or “strong recommendations”) force churches to seek help from the courts. The Supreme Court ruling to temporarily block New York’s limits to houses of worship was a step in the right direction. However, this has not stopped governors or even mayors from making new appalling attempts at crafting creative mandates to close churches for Christmas. On Friday, the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Washington was forced to sue Muriel Bowser, in her official capacity as Mayor of the District of Columbia, over restriction capping mass to 50 worshippers. During instances like this, Attorney General William Barr should step in on behalf of the 650,000 D.C-area Catholics.
Sign the petition to ask the Trump administration and Attorney General William Barr to prioritize the faith-based community and protect worshipers and service attendees’ rights.
There is a lack of scientific evidence to show houses of worship are causing spread. Center for Disease Control provides guidance measures for communities of faith: “guidance is not intended to infringe on rights protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution or any other federal law, including the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 (RFRA). The federal government may not prescribe standards for interactions of faith communities in houses of worship, and in accordance with the First Amendment, no faith community should be asked to adopt any mitigation strategies that are more stringent than the mitigation strategies asked of similarly situated entities or activities.” People of faith and their places of worship have already proven to know how to organize with adequate social distancing measures. And too, people of faith are smart about protecting themselves and others. It’s up to you and me to make a difference for houses of worship this holiday season. Please take a step forward to protect believers’ right to freely profess one's religious faith and practice its worship, as recognized by the Constitution.
Add your name: Ask the Attorney General William Barr to prioritize the faith-based community and protect worshipers and service attendees’ rights. Thank you, Gregory Mertz and the entire CitizenGO Team P.S. Cases of COVID-19 are on the rise. Sadly, our elected officials are targeting our Churches to attempt to slow the cases down. Meanwhile, their measures refuse to take other large gatherings. Their message is shocking. And we need to speak up now!
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