Pastor John MacArthur Contempt Hearing Delayed Until November 13

SUN VALLEY, CA — Los Angeles County's civil contempt case against John MacArthur for holding indoor worship at Grace Community Church during the pandemic will not be heard until November 13. According to county officials, the delay was because of COVID-19 gathering restrictions.

The county initially sued MacArthur in August after he and Grace Community Church resumed indoor services despite a public health order against large gatherings. MacArthur has said his sermons bring in as many as 7,000 people each Sunday.

“These types of large gatherings (especially indoors) jeopardize the County’s efforts to control spread of the virus and keep people safe,” the county said. “Parties cannot violate court orders with which they don’t agree.”

A Los Angeles Superior Court judge issued a temporary restraining order against the megachurch on September 10, calling their services an "immediate threat to public health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic." Despite the ruling, Grace Community Church has continued to hold indoor worship.

During a recent service on September 13, Pastor MacArthur read a list of the proposed requirements on social distancing and other preventative measures, claiming they would "completely shut the church down."

"Obviously, this is not constitutional, but more importantly, it goes against the will of the Lord of the church, who calls us together," the pastor said.

In a statement, the pastor celebrated the delay of his hearing as a victory in his ongoing legal battles.

"I’m very grateful to Judge Beckloff for providing full due process and recognizing the importance of these constitutional protections," MacArthur said. "The reality is that the county cannot show that their order is even rational, much less necessary. They have also applied their orders arbitrarily and discriminatorily against churches and we enjoy a heightened protection in America to hold church. I’ll continue to stand firm and we will continue to fight to protect religious freedom for the church.”