L.A. Wants John MacArthur Held in Contempt of Court, Issued Hefty Fines for Meeting

Grace Community Church and its pastor, John MacArthur, could be facing thousands of dollars in fines under a contempt of court request filed this week by Los Angeles County.

The congregation met indoors on Sunday, defying a California court of appeals panel that upheld restrictions by the state and the county limiting worship to outdoor settings during the pandemic. MacArthur told attendees Sunday morning the church wasn’t wanting to “be rebellious” but simply wanting to obey God.

“We’re meeting because our Lord has commanded us to come together and worship Him,” he said.

Now, Los Angeles County is asking the court to hold Grace Community Church, MacArthur and other defendants in contempt of court and to fine each defendant $10,000.

“Grace Church cannot thumb its nose at the Court when decisions don’t go its way,” the county argues in a brief filed in California Superior Court.

The county’s brief also notes the court has the power to place defendants in jail up to five days, although the county’s legal brief doesn’t specifically request that.

“Defendants first deliberately disobeyed State and County public health orders. Now, they are willfully violating two Court Orders,” the county’s brief says, referencing the indoor gatherings but also an alleged denial of county health officials’ access to the property.

“The purpose of these public…