The pastor of a large California church that was fined over $50,000 for holding indoor worship services despite adhering to social distancing guidelines said that even as the county continues to increase penalties, the church will remain open.
Jack Trieber, pastor of North Valley Baptist Church in Santa Clara, California, said Tuesday that Santa Clara County posted an additional order on the church’s doors this week and is fining the congregation $5,000 for each service.
The charges include $5,000 per in-person service — Sunday morning and evening, as well as Wednesday night — and additional violations for not social distancing, although it is practiced in the auditorium that seats 3,000 people, and singing.
“They’ve ratcheted this thing up,” Trieber said, adding that in total, the congregation has been fined $52,750.
The order states: “If you do not immediately correct the violations, the County may take additional legal action against you, including civil or criminal prosecution, with additional resulting penalties, fees, and costs.”
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