(RNS) — A Charlotte, North Carolina, church was declared an “imminent hazard” and ordered closed until Nov. 6 after an outbreak of COVID-19 led to more than 121 cases and at least three deaths. The closure took effect Saturday (Oct. 24).
The abatement order from the state’s health director, Gibbie Harris, was issued for the United House of Prayer for All People, which hosted more than 1,000 people at a weeklong event held Oct. 4 through Oct. 11. The event, described as a convocation, led to the largest community-based outbreak in Mecklenburg County, according to Harris.
Based in Charlotte, the Pentecostal church meets in several locations, but its leadership has refused to comply with recommendations for social distancing and wearing masks.
Harris said the church has also refused to provide information for contact tracing of those infected.
The closure was implemented in part because the church was planning a “Whirlwind Revival,” Oct. 26 to Oct. 31.
Calls to the church were not answered on Monday.
Nationwide, numerous churches have resisted state orders limiting the size of indoor gatherings and requiring social distancing guidelines. Some have sued, claiming that banning religious gatherings is a violation of the First Amendment’s freedom of religion clauses.
In Los Angeles, Grace Community Church pastor John MacArthur defied California’s…
… Read More
Click here to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Christian Headlines.