Louisiana Church Expects 2,000 for Easter Service

[RandySF]

Most U.S. churches are expected to be closed on Sunday, and a broad majority of observant Americans are expected to follow authorities’ recommendations to avoid crowds to limit the spread of the potentially lethal COVID-19 respiratory disease caused by the new coronavirus.

But not all of them.

“Satan and a virus will not stop us,” said the Reverend Tony Spell, 42, pastor of the evangelical Life Tabernacle Church near Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He expects a crowd of more than 2,000 to gather in worship at his megachurch on Sunday.

“God will shield us from all harm and sickness,” Spell said in an interview. “We are not afraid. We are called by God to stand against the Antichrist creeping into America’s borders. We will spread the Gospel.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed more than 14,700 lives across the United States and infected more than 431,700 people, with officials predicting the worst is yet to come.

Major U.S. religious institutions, including Roman Catholic dioceses and major Protestant denominations, will hold religious services online as well as through local broadcast radio and television, with just a handful of ministers and priests preaching sermons and reading liturgies to rows of empty pews.




https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-easter-usa-idUSKCN21S10Y

[msongs]

1. "we will spread..." something else. lock them into quarantine for 14 days nt

[Botany]

2. As long as they don't make their kids, family members, neighbors, and co workers sick too

Fine have at it. Darwin wins in the end.

[mshasta]

3. they don't learn

fucking stubborn people

always money , those mega churches are after money.

[jimfields33]

18. I saw pictures of various shots inside the church

It’s a diverse group. Looks like America. But they really should wait a few weeks.

[Hekate]

4. Pride goeth before a fall

Pure vanity and ego

[smirkymonkey]

5. I have a feeling that this article isn't going to age well.

Just a hunch.

[SheltieLover]

6. Lock him.up right now!

For making a terrorist threat!

I have to wonder how it is that these congregants do not see it as their obligation to use what little brains their god gave them.

[sprinkleeninow]

7. The Lord is honored by obedience over sacrifice.

Obey your elected officials, man of 'god'.

I'm a practicing Orthodox Christian to the best of my ability, and this guy seems to choose disobedience. Go read your bible, o holy terror. Anathema!

[onecaliberal]

8. Wow.

[calguy]

9. We couldn't expect the Rev. to pass up one of the biggest pay days of the year

He's not concerned about risking the health of the congregation as long as he collects the ca$h.

[Doreen]

10. Isn't suicide one of the worst sins?

What is that joke about a man whose ship sinks and he is drifting on a piece of wood and he has three different chances to escape and does not take them and finally dies and when at the pearly gates he asks god why he did not save him. God replied that he gave him three chances and he did not accept them.

[demtenjeep]

11. let them go to church then fucking lock them inside

I am so fucking done with stupid

[tblue37]

12. "Stupid is as stupid does." nt

[VOX]

13. They're gonna spread more than the Gospel.

What a load of horse flop: “God will shield us from all harm and sickness.”

These folks would be right at home in the Middle Ages. Cruel monarchs, plague and insane Christianity are a comfortable fit for them.

[bluestarone]

14. BEFORE they enter the church service

Mark 666 on their foreheads!

[Laffy Kat]

15. And they are certainly going to take their children.

Beyond irresponsible and there will be heart-break as a result.

[Miigwech]

16. Go for it!

[Baclava]

17. Won't God hear them if they pray at home? Or does He need that revenue stream to keep listening?

I dont rea!ly know, thats why Im asking, I guess pandemics are busy times for gods and these pastors are putting them to the test

[nakocal]

19. Only Anti-Christian churches will be holding in-person services.

The pastors of these churches only care about how much they take in the collection plate. The attendees could infect and be responsible for the death of hundreds, if not thousands. But funerals also make money for these churches.

[Blue_true]

20. The neighbors and non crazy families of that 2,000 should avoid them.

Let them make each other sick, not innocent people.

[Marthe48]

21. Wonder how many will be around for Christmas?

God is probably smacking his head