Murrieta church defies state public health rules, holds in-person services

MURRIETA (CNS) - A Murrieta church held in-person worship services attended by hundreds of people today in defiance of the state's coronavirus shutdown order a day before the governor is expected to release reopening guidelines for houses of worship. Pastor Tim Thompson of 412 Church Murrieta told the Riverside Press-Enterprise that the church has held such gatherings since May 3. According to Thompson, congregants were being allowed to maintain social distance and wear face coverings, though it was not a requirement. Its sister congregation in San Jacinto has also been holding in-person gatherings since May 10. The state allows houses of worship to hold drive-up services in parking lots but indoor gatherings such as the ones held by the Murrieta and San Jacinto churches are currently