Los Angeles County Targets Grace Community Church For Holding Worship Services By Terminating Parking Lot Lease

In the latest move to punish Grace Community Church for exercising their constitutional right to worship, the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works sent a letter to the church demanding they vacate part of their parking lot in the next 30 days. Despite the lease’s 45-year history, the letter gives the church 30 days to leave the premises, citing nothing but the Los Angeles County Flood Control District’s right to terminate the lease whenever they want. 

The Department of Public Works also threatened to “remove Grace’s personal property” if the church does not comply. 

“If Grace fails to vacate the premise as required, the District may enter the premises and remove Grace’s personal property in accordance with the Agreement and applicable law, and Grace will be responsible for any resultant expenses incurred by the District,” the letter read.

The church, pastored by John MacArthur, is in a legal battle with the county of Los Angeles over their constitutional right to assemble indoors for worship services, despite state and county health orders preventing them from otherwise doing so. Last week, the Los Angeles County Superior Court ruled that there is no order that can prevent the church from meeting in person. Despite this ruling, the county continues to target the church for defying health orders.