The 3 - October 4, 2020

This edition of The 3 features more news out of California and worship gatherings, this time out of San Francisco, where a 1-person limit has been in effect for houses of worship in the city. Also, the state of Virginia has attempted to impose so-called "values" that contradict Christian values on its people, and legal challenges have been filed.  And, the President's diagnosis with coronavirus has dramatically affected the faith community.

Frisco mayor ups restrictions on houses of worship from 1 to a maximum of 100

Up until last Wednesday, the city of San Francisco had a limit on worship "gatherings," well not really a gathering, because it provided for one - one, person to be involved in a worship event.  That has not gone away, according to ChristianHeadlines.com, which says that city Mayor London Breed has loosened the restrictions to 25 percent capacity, with a cap of 100 in an indoor worship setting.

The article notes that, "...several religions and denominations have protested the city’s restrictive rules as 'unjust' limitations not imposed on their secular counterparts.

Also, as the article states:

The Department of Justice also recently warned San Francisco over its limitations, stating they were “draconian, out of step with the treatment afforded other similar indoor activities in San Francisco, wholly at odds with this Nation’s traditional understanding of religious liberty, and may violate the First Amendment to the Constitution.”

Challenge filed to so-called Virginia Values Act

On July 1, a piece of legislation known as the Virginia Values Act went into effect in the state - but whose values or what values are mandated in the law?  According to the Alliance Defending Freedom, the new law "compels churches, religious schools, and Christian ministries to hire employees who do not share their stated beliefs on marriage, sexuality, and gender identity." And, a companion bill forces employers to include "in employee health care plans coverage for sex reassignment and 'gender affirming'” surgeries that run contrary to their beliefs. And, ministries can no longer offer gender-specific classes in the areas of "parenting, Christian discipleship, and sports."

So, ADF filed a lawsuit in a state court last week on behalf of two churches, three schools, and a pregnancy center network challenging the law, and filed a Federal lawsuit against the law on behalf of a photographer who does weddings and special events, contending the law would force him to photograph events (such as a same-sex wedding ceremony) that violate his religious beliefs.

ADF Senior Counsel Denise Harle is quoted as saying, regarding the lawsuit on behalf of faith-based ministries, "Virginia’s new law forces these ministries to abandon and adjust their convictions or pay crippling fines—in direct violation of the Virginia Constitution and other state laws. Such government hostility toward people of faith has no place in a free society.” 

ADF Senior Counsel Jonathan Scruggs said, regarding the Federal suit supporting the photographer, Bob Updegrove, “Because of Virginia’s new law, photographers like Bob face an impossible choice: violate the law and risk bankruptcy, promote views against their faith, or close down. The government cannot demand that artists create content that violates their deepest convictions.”

Faith leaders concerned after President's COVID diagnosis

With news of the President's and First Lady's diagnosis of COVID-19, there have been numerous expressions of prayer.  The Presidential Prayer Team issued its original alert on Friday, and has continued to provide updates on Mr. Trump's condition.

There has been media speculation about where the President may have contracted the virus; and the outdoor event announcing the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court on Saturday, the 26th has been the center of attention.  There is certainly a connection to the Christian community, because a number of Christian and pro-life leaders attended the announcement.

Religion News ran a story that outlines some of the faith leaders who were in attendance. One of those mentioned was the President of Notre Dame University John Jenkins, who announced on Friday he had tested positive.  Two individuals, who had been involved in the Washington Prayer March earlier in the day had tested negative, according to the article, which said:

A spokesperson for Franklin Graham said the evangelist — who also led a faith-themed march on Washington the same day as the announcement, attended by thousands — was tested before a trip to Alaska this week, and his results were negative.

The acting Liberty University president Jerry Prevo was also seen sitting behind Jenkins at the event, but a school spokesperson told Religion News Service that Prevo was tested for COVID-19 on Friday morning and his result was negative.

Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma, a Christian who was scheduled to speak in Atlanta last week, according the article told an RNS reporter on Friday, "that he was driving home from Atlanta to quarantine after coming into contact with someone who has the virus and intended to get a test when he arrived." He identified that person as Sen. Mike Lee, who was one of three senators who were initially specified as testing positive for coronavirus.

The article relates that Vice-President Pence, who has tested negative, spoke at the event, as did pastor Jentezen Franklin, who was part of a Call to Prayer for the President yesterday afternoon, hosted by the President's daughter-in-law, Lara on the President's campaign Facebook page.

And, the news came out earlier today that Greg Laurie, Pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, CA and speaker on A New Beginning on Faith Radio, has contracted the coronavirus. He wrote on his Facebook page:

I tested positive for COVID-19 last Friday. I have been in quarantine since then. My wife Cathe is also in quarantine with me. I am happy to report that all members of my family have tested negative for COVID. My symptoms have been mild so far, and I expect to make a full recovery. I have always taken the Coronavirus seriously, and it has tragically taken many lives. At a time like this, we need to pray for those that have it and avoid politicizing it. If our President and First Lady can get COVID-19, clearly anyone can. I chose to first tell those I was directly in touch with and the congregation I pastor. Thank you for your concern and prayers. I hope to see you all soon.