Hearing scheduled for Ventura County church that held indoor services despite health order

VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. - A hearing has been scheduled to determine whether Godspeak Calvary Chapel and Pastor Rob McCoy should be held in contempt for violating the State and County's health orders prohibiting indoor worship services during the pandemic.

The hearing is scheduled for Friday, August 21 at 10 a.m. in courtroom 41, before Judge Vincent O’Neill.

The County has recommended that a $1,000 fine for each health order violation be imposed against the church. At this time, the County has not recommended fines be imposed against Pastor McCoy or other members and attendees of Godspeak Calvary Chapel.

On Friday, August 7, the Ventura County Superior Court granted a temporary restraining order requiring Godspeak Calvary Chapel and Pastor Rob McCoy to adhere to the statewide and local public health orders requiring church services to be conducted outdoors with masks and social distancing or online.

“COVID-19 continues to spread from person to person and at gatherings. It is very important to follow the State’s guidance, so that the most vulnerable in our community can be spared from the disease. Churches and other community groups play a valuable role in the wellness of people in our community. We encourage people to stay connected, but to do so safely,” said Public Health Director Rigo Vargas.

When the church refused, the Board said it reached out again to try and find a compromise in order to get them to comply with the health order.

“This is a last resort effort. The County did not want to seek litigation for compliance. There are alternative locations available at parks throughout the County that will allow space for social distancing. Churches have been very creative in gathering safely. We hope Godspeak Church and Pastor McCoy work will with us to move their service outside during this time,” said Vargas.

In counties like Ventura, which are on the State Monitoring List due to increased rates of disease spread, health orders prohibiting indoor gatherings are intended to protect the health and safety of residents from COVID-19.

“The best way to gather at this time is virtually or outdoors in accordance with state orders and guidance. The more we can work together to follow these guidelines the quicker we can get back to enjoying activities indoors,” said Vargas.