Several Riverside County pastors say they plan to defy bans on gatherings, open churches
MURRIETA (CNS) - Several pastors in Riverside County are among hundreds throughout California who intend to ignore remaining coronavirus-related restrictions on in-person church services and open their doors to congregants at the end of the month.More than 1,200 clergymen and women have signed a "Declaration of Essentiality" stating their commitment to hold in-person services on May 31, the Day of the Pentecost."This act of solidarity between members of the clergy from varying denominations, ethnic backgrounds and geographic locations is unprecedented in recent times," said Robert Tyler, attorney and president of Murrieta-based Advocates for Faith & Freedom. "These pastors are willing to stand against the state and face fines or penalties in order to fulfill their calling and t