Illinois churches are claiming victory in a much-watched legal battle after the state on Thursday withdrew all restrictions on houses of worship.
The state issued new guidelines for churches in a nine-page document that recommends – but does not require – that churches “consider limiting attendance to 25% of building capacity or a maximum of 100 attendees, whichever is lower” amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Previously, a state order limited in-person gatherings to 10 persons.
“Recognizing the centrality of worship in many people’s lives and the spiritual and emotional value of prayer, community, and faith, this guidance provides recommendations for places of worship that choose to resume or expand in-person activities, and for those that do not,” the document reads.
The guidelines were issued the same night Pritzker’s administration faced a U.S. Supreme Court deadline to respond to a lawsuit brought by a Chicago church, Elim Romanian Pentecostal, that has continued meeting despite the order. The city of Chicago threatened the congregation with closure.
Liberty Counsel, which represented the congregation in the suit, called the state’s action Thursday a “complete victory in the near term.” Liberty Counsel also represented another church, Logos Baptist Ministries.
“The unilateral actions of Gov. J.B. Pritzker is the classic example of tyranny,” said Liberty Counsel chairman Mat Staver….
… Read More
Click here to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Christian Headlines.