Sen. Brian Jones

CHINO, Calif. (WordNews.org) Feb. 26, 2021 — The “Religion is Essential Act” introduced by California state Sen. Brian W. Jones (R-Santee) has gained another supporter, Pastor Jack Hibbs, pastor of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills.

The measure is designed to, among other things, keep churches open and recognized as an essential service in California.

“Sen. Brian Jones has my complete support in his effort to codify religious services as essential services in the State of California,” Hibbs said. “It’s regretful that the Church, established by Jesus Christ at the inception of His ministry, must now be legislatively recognized in legislation due to the over-reaching actions of Gov. Gavin Newsom.

“Clearly, the governor has favored secular assemblies including mass protest on the streets, crowded ‘big box’ stores, and failed to follow his own mandates and dined indoors with friends,” Hibbs continued. “In his efforts to protect the health and safety of the public, he obliterated the First Amendment’s free exercise of religion. Governor Newsom has clearly failed the churches of California.”

In introducing the bill, Jones questioned the governor’s logic in allowing other entities to remain open.

“Why is it that Newsom and most Democrat politicians in our nation trust shoppers that are packed into ‘Big Box’ stores to social distance, but don’t trust leaders and congregants at houses of worship to do the same to protect the elderly and the vulnerable?” Jones asked.  “Practicing one’s religion can be done safely, even during a pandemic, and the state should never have turned those who practice religion into second class citizens.”

Jones quoted Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch to make his case.

“As U.S. Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch stated, ‘Government actors have been moving the goalposts on pandemic-related sacrifices for months … As this crisis enters its second year—and hovers over a second Lent, a second Passover, and a second Ramadan—it is too late for the State to defend extreme measures with claims of temporary exigency, if it ever could … if Hollywood may host a studio audience or film a singing competition while not a single soul may enter California’s churches, synagogues, and mosques, something has gone seriously awry.’”

[Story continues after a message from our sponsor]

___________________________________________________________Word News Sponsor

We are officially less than two months away from Easter Weekend. But don’t stress! Word News’ friends over at Church Marketing University and Text In Church have you covered with The Ultimate Easter Kit. Inside this free resource you’ll find: A coaching video series, a step-by-step marketing plan, a budgeting spreadsheet, a communications calendar, Easter artwork, social media posts, social graphics, sermon bumper video, email templates and more! You can get access to the free kit by clicking here. [Interested in becoming a Word News sponsor? Email info@wordnews.org for more information].

___________________________________________________________

[Story continues]

Specifically, Jones’ bill would:

• Require that the Governor and local governments treat religious services as an essential service (just like retail) during any declared state of emergency; and
• Prohibit the state and local governments from discriminating against a religious organization during an emergency;
• Require the state and local governments to permit religious services to continue operating during an emergency;
• Prohibit the state and local governments from enforcing a health, safety or occupancy requirement that imposes a substantial burden on a religious service during an emergency;
• Allow a religious organization that has been subject to state or local government overreach to file a claim for relief in an administrative or judicial proceeding.

“It is essential that the doors of the church be kept open for the preaching of the Word as commanded by God to serve the spiritual needs of the men, women, and children in our communities,” Hibbs said.

SB 397 is co-sponsored by Real Impact, Capitol Resource Institute, California Family Council, and Judeo-Christian Caucus. It is supported by Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, Alliance Defending Freedom, The Salt & Light Council, and it is awaiting assignment to a Senate policy committee for a hearing.

To support the bill or learn more, click here.

___________________________________________________________

Shop on Amazon.com? Want to support Word News at the same time? Visit Smile.Amazon.com. Search for Word News Ministries Inc. or this image. Every time you shop, a percentage will go to Word News and at no cost to you! It’s a win-win!