After the California superior court vindicated Pastor John MacArthur and Grace Community Church on August 14, 2020, the L.A. Appellate Court reversed the order.

Late last night, the County of Los Angeles filed a petition for a writ of mandate, as well as an immediate relief to override the trial court’s order, as this order denied the County the right to enforce that portion of its July 18, 2020, Health Order prohibiting “indoor religious services.” Due to this petition of the County the California Court of Appeals issued a last minute order late last night to legally shut down this morning's planned service at Grace Community Church in Santa Ana, CA, in Los Angeles County.

Historic California Ruling Protecting Religious Liberty at Behest of Thomas More Society All-Star Legal Team is Temporarily Reversed by L.A. Appellate Court

This temporary order, staying that portion of the trial court’s order that would have prohibited the County from enforcing its limits on indoor church services, is in effect until a final decision is reached. This is a temporary order. More court hearings are scheduled in this case. The California Court of Appeals has asked our client to provide a formal response to the County’s petition on or before August 25, 2020. The trial court’s previously scheduled hearing for a preliminary injunction is still scheduled for September 4, 2020.

The renowned pastor and his well-known church in Sun Valley took the stance that church is essential. The court affirmed that position, recognizing the constitutionally protected right of churches to remain open and to hold indoor services in their sanctuary. The Los Angeles area congregation was represented by Jenna Ellis and the Rancho Santa Fe-headquartered law firm of LiMandri & Jonna, working in Special Counsel capacity with the Thomas More Society. Thomas More Society Special Counsel Erick Kaardal assisted the all-star team in putting forth MacArthur’s case.