A Letter to Governor Gavin Newsom from Churches

Declaration of Essentiality
Reopening May 31, 2020

Dear Governor Newsom and Dr. Agnell,

On behalf of Advocates for Faith & Freedom, The National Center for Law and Policy, Liberty Counsel and Freedom of Conscience Defense Fund, and First Liberty we write to address concerns of the religious community in California.

We represent the interests of hundreds of members of clergy and thousands of churches and ministries in California. More than 1200 pastors have signed the attached Declaration of Essentiality. These churches consist of tens of thousands of congregants. Some of the leaders include: Rabbi Michael Barclay of Temple Ner Simcha (Westlake Village, CA), Pastor Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, Pastor Diego Mesa of Abundant Living Family Church (Rancho Cucamonga), Pastor Jim Domen of Church United (Orange County, CA), Pastor Jim Franklin of Cornerstone Church (Fresno, CA), Pastor Tim Thompson of 412 Church (Murrieta, CA), Pastor Rob McCoy of Godspeak Calvary Chapel (Thousand Oaks, CA), Apostle Ron Hill of Love and Unity Christian Fellowship (Compton, CA), Bishop Robert Jackson of Acts Full Gospel Church (Oakland, CA), Pastor Javier Buelna of Restauracion Total Church (Los Angeles, CA), and Dan Carroll of Water of Life Community Church (Fontana, CA).

We want to first acknowledge the significant efforts you have made to protect the health and safety of the residents in California. Your efforts are appreciated, and we believe you have the best interests of California residents in mind when you implemented the current COVID-19 restrictions via Executive Order N-33-20 and in establishing the list of “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers.” However, we believe you overlooked the essential and critical nature of the services provided by clergy and religious assemblies throughout California.