Standing to Stay Open
Standing to Stay Open: Calvary Chapel Pastor Rob McCoy Challenges Court
Story by Sean Labar
Despite threats of fines, punishment and even imprisonment from Ventura County public officials, Pastor Rob McCoy of Godspeak Calvary Chapel in Thousand Oaks, CA, will continue to hold in-person services. On Monday September 28, a judge issued a preliminary injunction barring the church from meeting in-person, but Pastor Rob will not comply.
“There is no scientific reason at all for any church in America to be shut right now,” Pastor Rob said.
Monday’s ruling was the latest development from the ongoing legal battle between Godspeak Calvary Chapel and Ventura County. In August, Ventura County requested – and was granted—a temporary restraining order forbidding the church to hold worship services after alleging Godspeak Calvary Chapel had already violated both state and local mandates by holding in-person services.
Though he was disappointed, Pastor Rob was not surprised with the outcome of Monday’s court appearance.
“Today in court, Judge O’Neill upheld the injunction,” Pastor Rob said. “That means the county won their request to keep the temporary restraining order in force, predictable as this judge is to retire October 31 and [he] just kicked the can down the road. As it stands, we will continue to hold in person church services as we have— to minister to this community. Please continue to pray for the church, the staff, my family and our legal team.”
The next trial date will be set on November 9. Check out a conversation between Calvary Chapel editor Tom Price and Pastor Rob McCoy on the Calvary Chapel Magazine Facebook page from last Thursday September 24 to hear more about the challenges facing the church.
All verses above are quoted from the New King James Version.
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