Almost 500 pastors in California are planning to open their doors to group worship again at the end of this month, regardless of state restrictions.
Bob Tyler, a religious freedom attorney, says a number of pastors are planning to preach as normal on Sunday, May 31. This is in spite of restrictions on gatherings by the state of California due to the coronavirus pandemic, CBN News reports.
"The churches are not asking for permission," says Tyler, who believes the state has been in a state of emergency longer than necessary.
However, churches do plan to implement social distancing measures upon reopening. Several pastors have signed a petition to allow their religious gatherings to resume and have coordinated a plan for reopening to present to California Governor Gavin Newsom.
Newsom has listed churches as part of the third stage of reopening in the state, currently, which means it could still be months before churches are permitted to open.
"We'll give the governor an opportunity to amend his order. If he doesn't, these pastors have told me that they're committed to opening regardless," says Tyler.