Central, Louisiana — Buses and cars filled a Louisiana church parking lot for another service Tuesday evening as worshippers flocked to hear a Louisiana pastor who is facing misdemeanor charges for holding services despite a ban on gatherings amid the coronavirus pandemic.
A few protesters turned out, too, including a man shouting through a bullhorn against those gathering at the Life Tabernacle Church in the city of Central, where pastor Tony Spell has been holding services. Another demonstrator held up a sign reading: "God don't like stupid."
CBS Baton Rouge affiliate WAFB-TV reported the service was jammed with hundreds of parishioners. The station said there were also dozens of cars on hand to see if anyone stopped Spell from holding the service.
Afterward, people began leaving the church, some chatting outside the front doors, and many appearing to not be adhering to social distancing recommendations to remain at least six feet apart. Hugs and handshakes were shared freely as people said their goodbyes and departed.
Hours earlier on Tuesday, Spell was issued a summons for holding services previously at the church in violation of the governor's order banning gatherings. 
Gerald Herbert / AP
"Come out, Tony. Come tell us why you're endangering people's lives," the man with the bullhorn shouted Tuesday evening, directing his words at the pastor.
Flanked by some of his congregation, including children and older people, Spell emerged from the church later Tuesday night and said he is going to keep his church doors open. He said he doesn't consider doing that any different than keeping the doors of Walmart open. Spell also compared going to church to going to the hospital, but for spiritual healing.
"We are needy people. Our souls are lost," he said. "We need help, and the church is the salvation center of the soul, the sanctuary where we come together and meet."
Spell told CBS News that 1,265 people went to his church on Sunday, and he defended their assembly. "We have a constitutional right to congregate," Spell said in an email on Monday. "We will continue."
He said they disinfect the venue daily and even boasted that it's "cleaner" than open gas stations, Walmart and Sam's Club. Spell offered a "no comment" when asked whether his church was still collecting donations.
Earlier this month, after a weekday service, he caught criticism for his controversial remarks when he told CBS affiliate WAFB that the coronavirus was "not a concern."
"The virus, we believe, is politically motivated," Spell told WAFB. "We hold our religious rights dear and we are going to assemble no matter what someone says."
Around Louisiana, more than 5,200 people have confirmed virus infections, and 239 state residents have died, according to the Louisiana health department.
The order from Gov. John Bel Edwards prohibits gatherings of more than 10 people, said East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore. Each violation carries a maximum penalty of six months in jail and a $500 fine, Moore said.
"The whole situation just puts everyone at risk," Moore said. "We ask everyone to abide by the governor's order."
The governor has urged church leaders instead to continue their services online or in smaller groups to lessen the risks.
Spell had previously confirmed he was facing misdemeanor charges. He said when reached by phone earlier that he was read his rights and fingerprinted - but the summons wasn't deterring him. He said he would continue to defy the ban.
"We're still here and still assembling and having church," Spell said. Asked why he was defying the governor's orders, he said, "Because the Lord told us to."
Asked whether he was concerned about the pandemic, Spell said: "I'm no more concerned than I would be going to Walmart or Home Depot."
Moore said earlier that additional charges could be issued if Spell continued to disobey Edwards' ban on gatherings. He said the pastor wasn't booked into jail earlier because parish officials are trying to lessen the jail population amid the risks of the highly contagious virus.
Earlier, Central Assistant Police Chief Darren Sibley had said officers had no plans to try to stop Tuesday night's prayer service. But he said they would "document everything and forward everything to the district attorney."
"He is doing this for publicity," Sibley said of Spell. "He is putting the citizens of the community at risk. And he is putting the people in his congregation at risk."
Edwards issued a "stay at home" order that he said he will extend through the end of April to combat the spread of the COVID-19 disease caused by the coronavirus, which is threatening to overwhelm hospitals with patients.
Edwards said Tuesday that law enforcement authorities had been "extremely patient" with Spell and had "done everything that they could" to get him to comply with the governor's order before issuing the summons.
"I'm going to appeal to them one more time: Please stop what you're doing," Edwards said. "The overwhelming majority of our faith leaders have found other ways to engage with their parishioners."
#1: Gatlin To: Deckard (#0)
While reading through the article you posted here, I was reminded of all the terrible things you said here about Dr. Ronnie W. Floyd after you only briefly watched a carefully edited video showing a very short excerpt from one of his sermons.
You really had at him – You tore into him.
Remember?
In case you don’t, I will refresh your memory and post that you said:
Yet you have absolutely nothing to say about Pastor Rony Spell holding services at Life Tabernacle Church in the city of Central, Louisiana despite a ban on gatherings amid the coronavirus pandemic and facing misdemeanor charges for holding services
Puzzling …
Since you will not pursue the matter with Pastor Tony Spell like you did with Dr. Ronnie W. Flood – Then I will by presenting this video of an interview with him for your consideration:
Your reaction?
Respectfully …
Gatlin posted on 2020-04-01 16:03:13 Reply Private Reply
#2: watchman To: Deckard (#0)
Spell is correct.
He is also correct when he says a 30 day lock down is not sustainable.
Spell has not bowed down to tyrants like ecumenist Ronnie Floyd has. This is from Floyd's Cross Church website...
watchman posted on 2020-04-01 16:40:13 Reply Private Reply
#3: BorisY To: Gatlin (#1)
could be anoTher year
maybe
some people are saying
life - deaTh will jusT have To go on
isn'T ThaT liberalism
The survival of The fiTTesT
love
boris
BorisY posted on 2020-04-01 16:43:24 Reply Private Reply
#4: Hondo68 To: watchman, Tooconservative, Vicomte13, For Christ the King (#2)
Defiant Catholics will continue to attend Holy Mass in person regardless of what some gov tyrants say, same as Spell's Church. .
Hondo68 posted on 2020-04-01 17:39:26 Reply Private Reply
#5: Willie Green To: Hondo68 (#4)
No... Today's Catholic Church isn't as backward & ignorant as many protestant, evangelical ministers...
Coronavirus latest: Archdiocese of New Orleans suspends obligation to attend Mass for next 30 days
Willie Green posted on 2020-04-01 18:28:26 Reply Private Reply
#6: watchman To: Willie Green (#5)
I tried to see my primary care physician yesterday...I was turned away at the door. Doctors aren't seeing patients for at least a month and many people will suffer, and yes, many will die from being left untreated. An old man was there just ahead of me practically begging for a medication prescription for his son. The receptionist was rude to him and merely said she would see what she could do. She had liberalism written all over her, so I took a minute and verbally blistered her butt.
You have said you are ill and at the end of life. I know that you despise Christians, but Christians do not despise you. I truly hope you are getting the care you need.
Grace and peace to you, Willie.
watchman posted on 2020-04-01 18:53:38 Reply Private Reply
#7: Hondo68 To: Willie Green, Outlaw Catholic Resistance (#5)
The good Catholics of NO will assemble in catacombs with outlaw priests for Mass.
Hondo68 posted on 2020-04-01 19:03:33 Reply Private Reply
#8: Gatlin To: Deckard, ALL (#0)
East Baton Rouge is next to Central – Where Ronny Spell’s church is located.
You go Ronny – You da man. You listen to God.
Gatlin posted on 2020-04-01 19:21:27 Reply Private Reply
#9: Willie Green To: watchman (#6)
No, I despise willfull ignorance... Those who cling to ancient superstitions in support of their own racist bigotry...
Willie Green posted on 2020-04-01 22:13:21 Reply Private Reply
#10: A K A Stone To: Willie Green (#9)
A K A Stone posted on 2020-04-01 22:19:17 Reply Private Reply
#11: watchman To: Willie Green (#9)
All you have to do is tell me what you believe.
If your belief is better than mine...you've won me over.
It's that easy.
watchman posted on 2020-04-01 22:28:24 Reply Private Reply
#12: Deckard To: Gatlin (#1)
Yet you have absolutely nothing to say about Pastor Rony Spell holding services at Life Tabernacle Church in the city of Central, Louisiana despite a ban on gatherings amid the coronavirus pandemic and facing misdemeanor charges for holding services
Of course I do - keep up God's work and keep your church open.
The church is going the extra mile with safety precautions, I would go there.
My reaction to the video?
Thanks for posting it - it simply clarifies the reasons for staying open.
"Is it any more irresponsible than people going into Costco where there's a thousand people, a WalMart where there's 300 people, and I'm not posing any more of a threat than the people who are at the mall right now...it seems that the church is being persecuted because we are an easier target.
Yeah - who can disagree with that?
Deckard posted on 2020-04-02 05:42:18 Reply Private Reply
#13: Gatlin To: Deckard (#12)
I missed where he stated what those “safety precautions” are – What are they?
From the article
Is allowing 1,265 people to congregate in his church on Sunday taking “safety precautions” when in the 12-parish Capital region [where Ronny Spell’s church is located], the number of cases rose 12.5% to 678 on Wednesday, and the number of cases in the region have risen by more than three-quarters since Saturday, almost doubling – “going the extra mile with safety precautions?”
I find that statement interesting and quite complexing. You posted to me that you were shopping at wee hours to avoid crowds and working from home as a response to the virus pandemic.
Now you tell me here that you would go to his church with the other 1,265 people in a defined area where the number of cases rose 12.5% to 678 on Wednesday, and the number of cases in the region have risen by more than three-quarters since Saturday, almost doubling.
Which is it with you – avoiding crowds or mingling among crowds?
Going to places to shop food and other basic essentials to maintain life is not the same as practicing religion. You cannot shop for food and other basic essentials to maintain life at home – but surely can practice religion there.
Besides, I have been told that a Costco in the area is limiting the number of shoppers in the store to 40 and requiring those people in the cue to remain 6 feet apart. Now, I would say that is “going the extra mile with safety precautions.”
Yeah - who can disagree with that?
Gatlin posted on 2020-04-02 07:57:35 Reply Private Reply
#14: A K A Stone To: Gatlin (#13)
If God has the power to heal to you believe he would keep the faithful healthy?
Do you think it shows a lack of faith to be afraid that God would t protect you? I'm talking a out the truly faithful here. Not the fakers.
These are just questions.
A K A Stone posted on 2020-04-02 08:04:37 Reply Private Reply
#15: Deckard To: Gatlin (#13)
Matthew 4:4
Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."
You cannot shop for food and other basic essentials to maintain life at home – but surely can practice religion there.
Watching a service on the interwebs is not the same as Christian fellowship, praise and worship.
Which is it with you – avoiding crowds or mingling among crowds?
Once again - avoiding strangers at WalMart is one thing. Participating in a worship service with people you know is quite another.
Deckard posted on 2020-04-02 08:37:56 Reply Private Reply
#16: Gatlin To: Deckard (#15)
How can that be different when you have no way of knowing that 300 of those 1,265 sitting all around your during the worship service have not stopped in at WalMart on their way to the worship service you are attending?
You make no sense – You generally don’t …
Respectfully …
Gatlin posted on 2020-04-02 09:02:24 Reply Private Reply
#17: Gatlin To: A K A Stone (#14)
These are just answers to the numbered questions:
1) I do.
2) That’s a “false premise.”
3) I believe that God not only has the power to keep the “faithful healthy” but that God has the power to keep “everyone” healthy.
4) Yes.
Doing a piggyback on the post here – In regards to some of your other posts …
I once tried to explain to Pinguinite that an “addressing” problem occurs when someone clicks on the “Reply” link at the bottom of the posted article.
Some people know that they are replying to the author when the screen name of the person who posted the article appears on the “To” line.
While others may erroneously think that they are directing their statement to the person who posted the article by clicking on the “Reply” at the bottom of the article
Respectfully …
Gatlin posted on 2020-04-02 09:33:24 Reply Private Reply
#18: A K A Stone To: Gatlin (#17)
This was in the context of coronavirus.
So why do you think that the faithful shouldn't go to church. You said you believe God will protect them and they are showing lack of faith if they don't believe that.
A K A Stone posted on 2020-04-02 09:37:11 Reply Private Reply
#19: Gatlin To: Deckard (#15)
Yes, that is a direct quote of Matthew 4:4 taken from New International Version (NIV).
Respectfully …
Gatlin posted on 2020-04-02 09:40:39 Reply Private Reply
#20: Gatlin To: A K A Stone (#18)
I never said that “I think that the faithful shouldn’t go to church.”
I did not say that.
Gatlin posted on 2020-04-02 09:47:19 Reply Private Reply
#21: Gatlin To: Deckard (#15)
Conversely – It is not a absolute finite requirement to have fellowship in order to praise and worship.
It is often like you said, that what we need is more fellowship. But face it – the modern ideas of fellowship have become so watered down that the meaning of the word no longer carries the same meaning during these days and times as it did during Biblical times.
Foolish, isn’t it – to think that if we were to drop off our associations with other Christians and miss out associating with others in worship and service, that we would run out of blessed spiritual fervor and religious dedication in time. There say ther can be no substitute for “going to church and worshiping with others of like precious faith.” Others say that you don’t need that as a crutch.
Respectfully …
Gatlin posted on 2020-04-02 10:57:08 Reply Private Reply
#22: Gatlin To: A K A Stone (#18)
I of course believe that God does have a perfect will for each of us and that does include different kinds of protection. I find there are 22 different Bible verses discussing God’s protection. It should therefore be fairly easy for someone to use any one of those to substantiate a point. So, I guess the real question to ask here may be: Does God protect us in all situations? And the answer to that in one sense of the matter is that we will never know how many times God really protected us.
When I was a young lad growing up in the piney wood of NW Florida, I would walk some miles to watch the football game on Friday night. I had to walk through a swamp area that often time flooded over the dirt road when it rained heavily. When I went to the game it was early in the evening and I had no problem seeing what might lie in front of me. However when I returned to walk back through the swamp area it was dark. I had no fear of snakes but I knew it could be possible that one had crawled out onto the dirt road and I might step on it in the darkness. So when I got to the swamp area I would high-step it with jumps off each foot and high as possible – All the time saying: The LORD is my shepherd … And I raised my voice when Igot to the part saying: Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me…As loud as I possible could.
As I mentioned earlier: “We will never know how many times God really protected us.” I do however know that I am here today to tell you that during those years, I never stepped on a cottonmouth. So, you go figure …
“By his grace” …
BTW, my father was a preacher during that time – For whatever that ‘s worth.
Gatlin posted on 2020-04-02 12:44:46 Reply Private Reply
#23: Liberator To: Willie Green, watchman (#9)
Interesting comment, Willie.
Can you clarify on specifics?
Like defining which "ancient superstitions" you are referring to?
In recorded human "history," there are plenty of them that I can cite.
And also, please define this so-called "racist bigotry" OF (is it of "Christians" of whom you indict?)
Liberator posted on 2020-04-02 13:07:24 Reply Private Reply
#24: Gatlin To: All (#22)
Gatlin posted on 2020-04-02 15:28:20 Reply Private Reply
#25: Gatlin To: All (#24)
Gatlin posted on 2020-04-02 15:38:36 Reply Private Reply
#26: Willie Green To: Liberator (#23)
Any of them that require belief & obedience to some kind of supernatural boogyman to control & enslave the general populace... Christianity is just one example of such ignorance... The Romans, Greeks, Egyptians, Vikings, Chinese, etc. etc. all had their own superstions for controlling the masses...
If the shoe fits, wear it....If it doesn't fit, maybe it belongs to someone else...
Willie Green posted on 2020-04-02 15:51:58 Reply Private Reply
#27: Gatlin To: Deckard (#12)
If it were what Costco is doing, then it would next to impossible for someone to disagree with that. However, the statement made by Spell is a false premise since Costco is not allowing a thousand people in to shop.
Spell is pulling an old Matt Agorist trick and you are falling for it like you always fall for those by Matt. Spell is basing his argument on a false premise about Costco. He is making an incorrect proposition as a basis for his argument. Therefore, since the premise is not correct, any conclusion drawn may lead someone to fall prey to the error. It is blatantly obvious to everyone that you fell prey to it.
The Costco here has closed down nonessential operations and limits the number of people first in – and lets the people waiting 6 feet apart in the controlled cue enter on a one out and one in basis. Now that, Deckard, is an orgainsation – as you say “going the extra mile with safety precautions.”
You have stated:
I have asked you before and now I will again ask you: What the safety precautions are that the church is going the extra mile with?
Since you either refuse to answer the question or have no factual evidence upon which to base an answer to the question – Consequently, I can easily take your evasiveness as firm evidence that you are also pulling a Matt Agorist with your emphatic statement.
Respectfully …
Gatlin posted on 2020-04-03 04:04:52 Reply Private Reply
#28: Deckard To: Gatlin (#27)
Asked and answered.
Consequently, I can easily take your evasiveness as firm evidence that you are also pulling a Matt Agorist with your emphatic statement.
Consequently I can easily take your post as more Gatlin bullshit and hatred of the First amendment.
Respectfully - you're a government tool.
12 Experts Questioning the Coronavirus Panic
Deckard posted on 2020-04-03 04:19:23 Reply Private Reply
#29: Gatlin To: Deckard (#28)
Link – Please …
Gatlin posted on 2020-04-03 04:28:39 Reply Private Reply
#30: Deckard To: Gatlin (#29)
Deckard posted on 2020-04-03 04:48:12 Reply Private Reply
#31: Gatlin To: Deckard (#30)
Is that “daily” before or after he has allowed “1,000” people in his church and the tent in front of the church – congregating closely together while hugging each other – as testified to in one article?
What he is doing is the same …
… Shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted …
As of yesterday, 18 Baton Rouge residents have now died from coronavirus – coroner says. And that number is increasing daily at a rapid rate.
Yet you told me you would attend his church. This was after you told me that you were shopping at “wee hours” and “working from home” to avoid the coronavirus.
Please, how can you resolve these diametrically opposing statements.
Deckard, I often times think you are truly batshit crazy – certifiably nuts – and you never do anything to dispel that perception …
Respectfully …
Gatlin posted on 2020-04-03 05:19:13 Reply Private Reply
#32: Deckard To: Gatlin (#31)
Asked and answered.
Deckard, I often times think you are truly batshit crazy – certifiably nuts
You certainly are entitled to your "opinion", now may I offer mine?
You have been a rabid cheerleader for any and all government control for your entire life, and your insane belief that the government and media are honest and are not exploiting this crisis makes you out to be one of the most gullible people on the planet.
Your true fascist colors are fully on display for all to see.
Deckard posted on 2020-04-03 05:31:50 Reply Private Reply
#33: Gatlin To: Deckard (#32)
Then I somehow missed.
And the absence of that information leaves me in a deep quandary to understand how you can be so overly cautious on one hand and on the other hand still og mingle and trade hugs with 1,000 in one of the most growing critical areas for the coronavirus.
Perplexing …
Gatlin posted on 2020-04-03 05:43:39 Reply Private Reply
#34: Deckard To: Gatlin (#33)
Not the only thing you're missing simpleton.
But by all means - keep posting the government propaganda so we can all see which side you will be on when TSHTF.
You'll be cheering the military checkpoints.
Deckard posted on 2020-04-03 05:53:03 Reply Private Reply
#35: Gatlin To: Deckard (#32)
You have not known me my entire life.
Ergo you statement is a False premise. When the premise is false then the information is unreliable.
Will you ever learn …
Gatlin posted on 2020-04-03 05:53:58 Reply Private Reply
#36: Gatlin To: Deckard (#34)
You are correct. I do miss you showing logic, common sense and good judgment.
But of course it is easily understandable why I am missing that – Since you never display any …
Gatlin posted on 2020-04-03 05:57:08 Reply Private Reply
#37: Deckard To: Gatlin (#35)
Perhaps I haven't - but it's pretty obvious that you have been a government toady for a long time.
You never will understand the concept of freedom - especially freedom of religion.
Pretty sure you have admitted to being a life-long gooberment sheep in the past.
Deckard posted on 2020-04-03 06:07:13 Reply Private Reply
#38: Gatlin To: Deckard (#34)
I have been posting with you for ten years now and you keep saying this regularly – almost every day.
Pray tell – When is that ever going to happen.
You wanted us to believe it was happening many times – remember Operation Jade Helm – when you posted the train loaded with many, many, Humvees on the flatbed rail cars that you wanted us to be was a mobilization, while it was Humvees being delivered from a factory to the Army.
Geeze - How many of these “when TSHTF sitations” can you still keeping for …
Do you ever relax – Have hope that for you …
Gatlin posted on 2020-04-03 06:09:21 Reply Private Reply
#39: Gatlin To: Deckard (#37)
Hmmm …
The excessive use of qualifiers makes you sound unsure of your facts; it also makes your writing too informal.
Get your act together …
Gatlin posted on 2020-04-03 06:15:51 Reply Private Reply
#40: Gatlin To: Deckard (#37)
Simply because I constantly challenge the validity of your posts and continuously point out where you are wrong should in no way be a basis for your presumption for that statement …
Gatlin posted on 2020-04-03 06:18:57 Reply Private Reply
#41: Deckard To: Gatlin (#39)
Piss off schoolmarm.
Deckard posted on 2020-04-03 06:22:05 Reply Private Reply
#42: Gatlin To: Deckard (#41)
I got up to research for today’s market.
But doing this was too entertaining to stop and get to business.
Thanks for the fun.
Let's get together again sometime.
Respectfully …
Gatlin posted on 2020-04-03 06:25:37 Reply Private Reply
#43: Gatlin To: Deckard (#41)
This is the most posts you have had on a thread of your in years …
Gatlin posted on 2020-04-03 06:35:58 Reply Private Reply
#44: Gatlin To: All (#43)
This is area where the church is located. One can only wonder if any – or how many – of those who now have the virus may been among the 1,265 who attended service in Tony’s church recently …
Gatlin posted on 2020-04-03 19:53:29 Reply Private Reply
#45: Liberator To: Willie Green (#26)
BUT...From who or what have you determined the existence of the Supernatural does not exist, Willie?
Have you considered that your entire assessment of the above is just your own self-deception or self-delusion, or confirmation-bias?
How do you *know* God does NOT exist? What proof do you cite?
What exactly is it about Christianity -- I mean EXACTLY -- makes you believe Christians are manipulated or coerced into faith?
Liberator posted on 2020-04-04 12:50:14 Reply Private Reply
#46: Liberator To: Willie Green (#26)
Why shouldn't I accuse YOU of "bigotry" against Christians (or whatever *I* am?)
Btw...Who made you arbiter of "racism" and "bigotry"? And why should your perspective be considered THE truth?
Maybe those "shoes" are the ones you wear, solidified in cement. And...you sadly don't realize it.
Liberator posted on 2020-04-04 12:54:07 Reply Private Reply
#47: Gatlin To: Deckard (#12)
Getting back to you again on this:
I can do just that by saying it definitely is more irresponsible –
Need I say more …since people going into Costco and Walmart are not then:
Respectfully …
Gatlin posted on 2020-04-05 07:53:15 Reply Private Reply
#48: A K A Stone To: Willie Green (#26)
A K A Stone posted on 2020-04-05 08:28:31 Reply Private Reply
#49: A K A Stone To: Willie Green (#26)
A K A Stone posted on 2020-04-05 08:30:29 Reply Private Reply