…Governor Newsom enacted the latest order which criminalizes the worship of God, both in the house of God and in private residences, in addition to criminalizing singing, chanting, and other means of praise. This egregious wrong and set of double standards prompted Pastor Che, Harvest Rock Church, and Harvest International Ministry to advocate for first amendment rights and the equal treatment of all citizens, by initiating this federal complaint.
H Rock Church Staff : Jul 27, 2020 Harvest Rock Church
Harvest Rock Church and Harvest International Ministries (HIM,) under the leadership of Pastor Che Ahn, has initiated a federal civil complaint against Governor Newsom’s latest restrictions which have been specifically aimed at criminalizing in-person worship (both in and outside of private citizens’ homes,) as well as criminalizing chanting and singing during such worshipful service. (Image: Pastor Che Ahn /Harvest Rock Church)
It is the goal of Harvest Rock Church to protect the first amendment constitutional rights of the Church and all people, while taking a specific stand against the misclassification of the worship of God as non-essential during this time of national unrest, economic strife, and physical ailment.
From early March of this year, Harvest Rock Church and the HIM network strictly adhered to the original state guidelines, first closing doors for several months and later utilizing above-standard safety protocols during in-person service. The church, recognizing congregants as a unified family rather than ‘customers’ or ‘clients’ of those businesses who have been deemed “essential,” has maintained throughout the last six months the importance of keeping congregants and the community safe. Safety, which was the original publicized goal of government mandates in California, has always been both the goal and the supportive action of Harvest Rock Church and the HIM network.
Recently in California, however; state leaders have consistently argued for and encouraged protestors of social justice initiatives to both congregate and chant, often while using slogans that are degrading, defamatory, and sometimes even violent. “Now is the time for courage. Now is the time for your voice to be brought to the forefront…” stated Governor Newsom, “Protesters have the right not to be harassed. Protesters have the right to protest…”
The Governor neither reminded protestors of current orders in place affecting citizens of California, nor diligently addressed protestors regarding the necessity to social distance while thousands gathered. Soon thereafter, Governor Newsom enacted the latest order which criminalizes the worship of God, both in the house of God and in private residences, in addition to criminalizing singing, chanting, and other means of praise. This egregious wrong and set of double standards prompted Pastor Che, Harvest Rock Church, and Harvest International Ministry to advocate for first amendment rights and the equal treatment of all citizens, by initiating this federal complaint.
Pastor Che Ahn said it best himself, “The Church has been essential for 2000 years.” The Church has forever been, and will continue to be, a place of healing for the people—a place of salvation, strength, love, guidance and the ultimate unity. Harvest Rock Church and Harvest International Ministries stands against all injustice and division, targeted segregation of civil liberties amongst citizens, and the injustice in deeming God, and the praise of God, as both non-essential and now criminal in the State of California.
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