The U.S. Supreme Court granted an appeal made by a San Diego church that challenged California Governor Gavin Newsom's order banning indoor religious services. The court stated that the ban may violate the Constitution's protection of religion.
The Supreme Court's appeal also overruled decisions made by federal judges in San Diego, San Bernardino, and the US 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco - who all upheld the state's order to ban indoor services at places of worship.
The South Bay Pentecostal Church in Chula Vista filed the original lawsuit asserting the church’s religious freedom to gather. Bishop Arthur Hodges III said, “This latest ruling coming from the Supreme Court is a resounding victory frankly, for religious liberty in California.”
While a return to indoor worship is now allowed, the Supreme Court wants attendance limited to 25% capacity, but will also curtail restrictions on singing and chanting.