Louisiana Church Packed for Services Again Despite State’s Stay-at-Home Order and Pastor’s Arrest

Pastor Tony Spell, center background, talks to congregants after an evening service at Life Tabernacle Church in Central, La., Tuesday, March 31, 2020. Spell is facing misdemeanor charges for previously holding services despite a ban on gatherings amid the coronavirus pandemic. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

The Louisiana pastor who continues to defy government orders to limit crowds during the coronavirus pandemic was cited this week, according to the Baton Rouge Advocate.  

Even still, hundreds filled the church’s parking lot yet again for another service Tuesday evening, reported CBS News. Worshippers flocked to hear the Louisiana pastor who earlier in the week claimed more than a thousand people had attended Sunday services, even as the pandemic outbreak continues.

Pastor Tony Spell is facing six misdemeanor counts for continuing to hold services despite the ban on gatherings, according to The Advocate.

Timothy Spell, father of Pastor Tony Spell, talks to reporters after services at the Life Tabernacle Church in Central, La., Sunday, March 29, 2020. Tony Spell has defied a shelter-in-place order by Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards, due to the new coronavirus pandemic, and continues to hold church services with hundreds of congregants. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

At Tuesday’s services, a few protesters turned out, too, reported CBS News. One man shouted at the church with a bullhorn. “God don’t like stupid,” one protester’s sign read. It did not appear anyone, including authorities, tried to physically block people from entering the church grounds to attend services.

WAFB reported that after Tuesday’s services, some churchgoers socialized outside the church’s front doors, some exchanging hugs and handshakes. Spell also came out of the church and told supporters and critics that he doesn’t consider keeping his doors open any different than stores staying open. He also compared going to church to going to the hospital, except at church you get spiritual healing, reported CBS News.

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SOURCE: KHOU 11, Doug Delony