A Virginia pastor whose church was rushed by law enforcement in early April has had his charges dropped, and is now suing the liberal Democratic governor of the state.
Criminal charges against Pastor Kevin Wilson, of Chincoteague Island’s Lighthouse Fellowship Church, were dropped by the general district court of Accomack County, Va. on July 17. He faced a $2,500 fine and possible jail time on charges of violating coronavirus lockdown orders by daring to hold a Palm Sunday service.
Police stormed into his sanctuary on April 5 and issued Wilson a summons during the service. Some 16 people were present, in a building that could accommodate about 300.
Mat Staver, founder of Liberty Counsel, who is representing the pastor, told FOX News. “I am pleased that the charges were dropped. They should’ve never been issued in the first place.”
Wilson is now suing Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam in the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, alleging discrimination against the church and violation of his religious freedom. He is supported by the Justice Department and Vice President Mike Pence.
“It’s absolutely unbelievable that the pastor would be charged for having six people over the 10 person limit,” Staver added, “and at the same time, Gov. Northam significantly hurt his case by encouraging mass protests and limiting this church to a 10-person limit.”
Northam has encouraged protests under the banner of anti-racism and anti-law-enforcement, with the only condition that people “social distance” while they pack the streets and wave signs.
Northam is a pediatrician who also loudly advocates the destruction of unborn children.
Staver said he is confident Wilson will win and that one of Liberty Counsel’s cases will head to the Supreme Court.
