Pastor Jim Franklin will open Cornerstone Church this Sunday.

That’s not the only door he’ll open. Franklin says Gov. Gavin Newsom and other leaders have opened the door for a lawsuit.

“Our theater seats 1,400 people but we are only allowed to have 100 people. That is approximately 7%,” says Franklin. “No other business is being placed under these restrictions.”

This Sunday, Franklin plans to operate at 25% of capacity. He’s upset he can’t operate at 50%, which he says is the standard for other businesses.

“The governor of California is still violating the civil rights of churches,” says Franklin.

Eastern District Federal Court Lawsuit

On Monday, the state released a framework that permits counties to allow in-person worship services as COVID-19 restrictions ease. They include limiting worshipers to 100 or less, taking everyone’s temperature, limiting singing and group recitations, and not sharing prayer books or other items.

Franklin says Cornerstone Church church will join a lawsuit in California’s Eastern District Federal Court. Cornerstone Church will be represented by Advocates for Faith & Freedom, Tyler & Bursch, and The National Center for Law and Policy.

“We will be seeking action against the county of Fresno health director, the state of California health director and the governor of California,” says Franklin. “We expect to have our claims joined with the lawsuit filed by Cross Culture Christian Church from Lodi, California.

“It is my belief by keeping the church doors closed that we are denying them a vital part of their religious freedom, the ability to gather together.”

Fresno County Board of Supervisors

The Fresno County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 on Tuesday to approve the governor’s guidelines for religious services announced Monday.

Nathan Magsig and Brian Pacheco joined board chair Buddy Mendes in casting yes votes, while Steve Brandau and Sal Quintero voted no.

Mendes told GV Wire that the county needed to approve the guidelines so that churches could legally open again.

Afterward, Brandau posted a video message on social media explaining his no vote.

“I’m glad that churches are going to reopen,” said Brandau. “But this is complete junk what the governor is demanding on the process for churches. It needs to be right in line with what everybody else is doing.”

Fresno County Health Department Guidance

The Fresno County Health Department has a guidance document for conducting religious services on its website.

Here is the full document:

LetterCOVID19FaithBasedGui (Text)