A Louisiana pastor defied state orders by repeatedly holding large church services. This was during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. He is now asking his congregation to donate any stimulus money they get to his church.
Pastor Tony Spell has launched a #PastorSpellStimulusChallenge to Americans, asking them to donate their government stimulus checks to missionaries, evangelists and music ministers. He claims they haven’t received offerings in over a month, despite having such large church gatherings.
He says that those who do not have a church can donate through his website, and claims that his own family has donated their checks toward their church.
In an interview with CNN on Sunday, he said, “We are challenging you, if you can, give your stimulus package to evangelists and missionaries who do not get the stimulus package.”
The government has been giving out the stimulus checks to Americans to help those who are financially suffering during the pandemic. This has led to people resorting to the cheapest phone plans and other means to lower their monthly debts.
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Despite recent emergency orders from Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards and CDC recommendations to set limits on large gatherings, Spell has repeatedly continued to do the opposite.
Instead, he has encouraged large religious services at his Life Tabernacle Church in Baton Rouge in recent weeks.
“If they close every door in this city, then I will close my doors,” said Spell last month to CNN. “But you can’t say the retailers are essential but the church is not. That is a persecution of the faith.”
He went on to say that he believes the coronavirus outbreak is “politically motivated” and that any rules put in place are “government overreach.”
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Baton Rouge police issued a misdemeanor summons to Spell last month for six counts of violating the executive order that barred such large gatherings.
Roger Corcoran, the Central Police Chief, offered a statement on March 31 about Spell’s decision to continue violating the order.
“Instead of showing the strength and resilience of our community during this difficult time, Mr. Spell has chosen to embarrass us for his own self-promotion,” said Corcoran.
“Mr. Spell will have his day in court where he will be held responsible for his reckless and irresponsible decisions that endangered the health of his congregation and our community,” he added.
An Easter Week service was held by Spell, which 1,220 people reportedly attended, with some being bussed in, and others driving more than 100 miles to be there.
Louisiana currently has the 9th-most confirmed coronavirus cases in the United States.
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