US judge rejects churches’ challenge to stay-at-home order

CHICAGO (AP) – On May 13, U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman upheld Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s authority to impose stay-at-home orders on churches during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gettleman denied a restraining order requested by Elim Romanian Pentecostal Church in Chicago and Logos Baptist Ministries in Niles, Ill., that would allow the churches to legally hold highly restricted in-person services. Elim Romanian still held services despite Pritzker’s order.

Gettleman said churches are not like grocery stores, which are still open, but like schools, movie theaters and concert halls, which are included in current stay-at-home orders.

“An injunction would risk the lives of plaintiffs’ congregants, as well as the lives of their family members, friends, co-workers and other members of their communities with whom they come in contact,” Gettleman wrote in his decision. “Their interest in communal services cannot and does not outweigh the health and safety of the public.”