Tampa Pastor Who Defied Stay-at-Home Orders Closing Church

TAMPA -- The pastor who faces misdemeanor charges for holding services during the coronavirus pandemic says he's closing his church for now.

Rodney Howard-Browne says he's acting to protect his flock from an "antagonistic" climate created by "media hype and misrepresentations", and claims he's gotten vulgar messages and death threats. He says that climate was exacerbated by Hillsborough Sheriff Chad Chronister's response, which he describes as "exaggerated" and "outright false."

Browne says in his statement that River Church went "above and beyond" requirements under the county's safer at home order, issued last week. Brown says the church staff spoke to the sheriff on speakerphone Thursday (26th), telling him they were enforcing social distancing, installing "hospital grade" air purifiers and taking other actions to protect the health of worshippers. He claims Chronister then told him he had no intention to arrest anyone and the church could operate Sunday (29th).

Browne maintains the March 27 executive order allows any business that can maintain a six foot separation to operate. He says the church moved seating to maintain social distancing, with the exception of family groups who came to church together.

Browne says he's asking his lawyers to get the charges thrown out in federal court, saying the county's executive order violates constitutional provisions of religious freedom. He notes that the stay at home order from Governor DeSantis issued Wednesday (1st) specifically exempts churches and houses of worship.

Photo: Getty Images


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