Wednesday, April 15, 2020, 3:00 pm News Flash Archive

Just now, another church in Greenville has filed suit against Mayor Errick Simmons and the City of Greenville over threats they have made against the church members holding a drive-in worship service.

This follows hard after the lawsuit filed by Temple Baptist Church last Friday was joined by the Department of Justice yesterday afternoon.

The DoJ filing highlights the city's discriminatory regulation and actions against houses of worship as a violation of religious freedom guaranteed by the Constitution. Additionally, the city's re-classification of churches as "non-essential," in conflict with the Governor's Emergency Executive Orders, suggests a discriminatory purpose behind the Greenville Mayor's actions.

Now, the King James Bible Baptist Church, which had been holding drive-in services in compliance with the CDC regulations and Governor Reeve's Emergency Executive Orders, has sued to stop the threat by Mayor Simmons to close down their services.

Police showed up at a Thursday evening service but did not issue any citations, unlike the previous evening at Temple Baptist Church.

The new lawsuit by KJBBC may be seen here:
KJBBC v. City of Greenville et al. Complaint

KJBBC points out to the court that it has been the historic Christian practice for believers to assemble together physically, even in times of war and deep persecution. It is, in fact, a requirement of the plaintiffs' faith that they assemble in meeting together, and they have resorted to completely safe, socially isolated drive-in services to meet that requirement.

The Taxpayers Channel has previously reported that the city adopted an emergency order, applying only against churches, that barred drive-in meetings. Other business drive-in services were not prohibited by the order, but only churches were singled out for the restriction. Our coverage may be seen here:
Church Sues City of Greenville, Mayor after Police Bust up Church Service
and here:
Department of Justice Intervenes in Greenville Church Attack Case

The lawsuit seeks an injunction against further city actions, declaratory judgment, and legal costs and attorney fees.

KJBBC is represented by ten attorneys, including those of the Mississippi Institute for Justice, and First Liberty Institute.

John Pittman Hey
The Taxpayers Channel

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