Churches must limit service to 100, California says. But Fresno pastors say that’s not enough
Leaders from a couple of Fresno’s largest churches on Tuesday asked for special permission to allow large gatherings during the coronavirus pandemic, but they failed to get the support of the Fresno County Board of Supervisors.
The board voted 3-2 to adopt the state standards for reopening churches, which requires social distancing, masks and shortened services.
The standards also require the churches to allow only 25% of the church’s capacity or 100 people, whichever is smaller.
Peoples Church pastor Larry Powell said the north Fresno church could safely accommodate 700 people.
“We’ll use every other row. We’ll have family groups together. They’ll sit; they won’t sing,” he said to the supervisors. “We will do everything we can because we love our people. We will take care of them.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the extensive set of guidelines Monday. They include closing off areas typically used for mingling and discouraging hugs or any other touching.
Cornerstone Church pastor Jim Franklin said he couldn’t understand why churches were being treated differently than businesses that are being allowed to open with safety precautions.
“Why are we different than anybody else?” he asked.
Supervisors’ action on churches
Several supervisors expressed support for the church leaders, though they were also concerned that not following state orders could have consequences.
Supervisor Steve Brandau motioned to allow the churches to open with the same guidelines as businesses, which got only the support of Supervisor Sal Quintero and not enough votes to pass.
Brandau and Quintero cast the two “no” votes against adopting the state standards. Supervisors Buddy Mendes, Brian Pacheco and Nathan Magsig cast the three votes in support of it, and at the same time asked staff to look into a lawsuit over the matter.
Mendes said it may be best not to pick a fight with the state, saying Newsom has “lost control” over the response to COVID-19.
“This is basically a little Jedi mind trick thing going on that he’s still in control,” Mendes said. “In reality, we’re better off not saying anything, because he’s lost control. (Not) sticking it in his face, (saying) ‘You’ve lost control,’ because we’re going to do what we want to do anyway.’”
This story was originally published May 26, 2020 at 11:59 AM.
