When 2020 began, I never thought we would see our freedom threatened so intensely. The response to COVID by the states closed churches while abortion clinics and liquor stores were deemed “essential.” Discrimination developed into outright persecution in some states where pastors have been arrested and churches fined. We aggressively fought such hostility, and the dominoes are beginning to fall! But the battle continues. Please read on. -Mat

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Liberty Counsel represents over 2,000 pastors and churches in 44 states and we have multiple lawsuits against the governors of California, Illinois, Kentucky, Virginia, Maine and Colorado. Earlier, we concluded a case in Florida, in which our client was the first pastor in America to be arrested, handcuffed, booked and put in a cell until he posted bond – all for holding a worship service for which the county sheriff said he would not be arrested.

In each case, the churches, pastors and congregants face heavy fines and prison simply for opening and/or attending church. These pastors go to bed every night wondering whether tomorrow they will be dragged off to jail.

California: Harvest Rock Church and Harvest International Ministry - CA Gov. Gavin Newsom has banned ALL WORSHIP, even home Bible studies and fellowship. Pastors and churchgoers alike face lengthy jail time and compounding fines. The Pasadena prosecutor has threatened to criminally charge each person who attends worship, the penalty of which is one year in prison. This case is ongoing after the U.S. Supreme Court remanded the case back to the local level, with an instruction to follow the Court’s “road map” which leads to the desired destination. We will prevail but we must continue to fight.

Illinois: Elim Romanian Pentecostal Church and Logos Baptist Ministries - Gov. J.B. Pritzker and his illegal orders enforced by Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s threat to seize and destroy church buildings for refusing to limit worship to 10 people, no matter the size of the sanctuary. The pastors were criminally charged, and the mayor threatened to bulldoze the buildings. This case is pending at the U.S. Supreme Court.

Kentucky: Maryville Baptist Church - Gov. Andy Beshear gave every attendee of an Easter Sunday outdoor, stay-in-your-own-car service, the equivalent of 14-day house arrest. We received two 3-0 victories at the court of appeals, but the governor wants to reimpose the restrictions, so the case continues.

Virginia: Lighthouse Fellowship Church - Gov. Ralph Northam sent police cars to man the church parking lot waiting to arrest or scare away potential attendees. The pastor was criminally charged for having 16 people in a 293-seat sanctuary. We just got the criminal charge dismissed. The church does not have internet. It does not have an online option. This case is ongoing.

Maine: Calvary Chapel of Bangor - Gov. Janet Mills demanded that churches apply for HER permission to open, and only under HER extremely restrictive conditions with HER “Governor Approved Church” badge on the door. A Maine news article shared a sad story of how a 16-year boy committed suicide due to the isolation caused by the lockdowns. In America and around the world, there has been a shocking increase in depression and suicide among children as young as seven. The churches must open and help their hurting communities. This case is pending on appeal.

Each of the governors of these states share these characteristics:

They encourage lawless riots and are extreme abortion and Planned Parenthood advocates who have no respect for religious freedom. Those willing to murder preborn children should never be trusted to govern the living.

In each of these cases, Liberty Counsel is defending faithful Christians who want to assemble to gather for worship, as the Bible commands. Caesar has no authority over the church!

Help Liberty Counsel save our churches & have your impact DOUBLED by the Year-End Challenge Grant!

We continue to represent and defend Planned Parenthood whistleblower Sandra Merritt, the right to fly a Christian flag, the right to display a Nativity scene, the right to choose a Christian counselor and so much more. Each of our cases is, at its base, a defense of our God-given, unalienable rights.

And we are deeply involved in researching, documenting and reporting on election fraud. We must not sweep these concerns under the rug. I am concerned not only about this election, but all future elections.

No American pastor or parishioner should be forced to choose between worship or prison.

That’s why Liberty Counsel never charges for our legal work. Few people could afford a legal defense against the bottomless, taxpayer-funded coffers of lawless politicians. Instead, we – and the clients we defend – rely on God’s gracious provision through generous supporters like you!

Through a generous Year-End Challenge Grant every donation between now and midnight your time zone on December 31, will be DOUBLED. Help us reach our goal. Your support will impact millions.

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Finally, please continue to pray for America’s churches and pastors, Liberty Counsel’s staff and those in authority in our nation. God bless you!

In Christ,

Mat Staver
Founder and Chairman

P.S. NEW YEAR-END CHALLENGE GRANT! We have a new Challenge Grant that will effectively DOUBLE the impact of your donations between now and the end of the year!

America's pastors and churches are relying on YOU to help ensure religious freedom remains FREE!

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