Judge rules for California church rebranded as ‘peaceful protest’

A California court on Friday denied Los Angeles County’s request for a temporary restraining order against Grace Community Church after the church began holding indoor services in defiance of state and county covid lockdown orders, according to a press release from the Thomas More Society.

Attorney Jenna Ellis called it a “historic win,” tweeting that the court was the first in California “to recognize #churchisessential.”

Pastor John MacArthur opened his Aug. 9 service at the Sun Valley megachurch by saying: “Good morning, everyone. I’m so happy to welcome you to the Grace Community Church peaceful protest.”