Robstown pastor will continue services amid Nueces County stay-at-home order

Nueces County Sheriff J.C. Hooper is considering law enforcement action after a Robstown pastor refused to adhere to the county's stay-at-home order.

The order went into effect Friday amid the growing number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Nueces County. As of Sunday, there were 22 confirmed cases in the county. A Robstown woman is among them.

The order prohibits the gathering of more than 10 people in an area, and states churches may not have congregations in-person.

The Bridge Church on East Main Avenue in Robstown had regularly scheduled service Sunday, Hooper said.

"I immediately called him and spoke with him for well over 20 minutes. He made it clear he planned on having his parishioners congregate," Hooper said. "I asked if he was aware of the stay at home order and gave him the reason for the order."

Pastor Joel Garza was aware of the order and said he wasn't going to adhere to it, Hooper said.

Garza said he has every intention of having service this coming Sunday. He is also hosting a prayer and worship service Monday at 7 p.m., the church's Facebook page reads.

"I believe it’s the best place for us to be is at church," Garza said Monday. "We believe God shows up whenever we gather. We believe we have to have churches so people of God can gather and pray."

Sunday, Hooper and two deputies stood outside the church to inform people about the order, and gathering was a violation of the order and social distancing practices.

Most of the parishioners walked inside anyway.

Hooper is speaking with the county attorney to consider enforcement action against Garza.

Garza will not let the possibility of criminal charges shake his belief.

"I won't compromise my faith because of the threat of jail or fines," Garza said.

"These are our constitutional rights. Some people say 'they don't matter at a time like this.' Well then when do they matter?"

Garza said churches are the last thing that should be shut down amid the coronavirus outbreak. He also said county and state orders are stripping the elderly of the things that give them life: family.

"We preach a God of healing," Garza said. "(And we're) going to close churches because we believe a virus is bigger than God?"

Hooper said he offered Garza assistance with live-streaming his service, and said County Judge Barbara Canales also offered free radio time for the services.

Garza insisted on having his parishioners gather inside the church, Hooper said. Sunday's service was also streamed live on Facebook.

"I believe this is a spiritual attack," Garza said about COVID-19. "When this virus comes and we close down our churches, that's dangerous."

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Alexandria Rodriguez covers breaking news and crime in South Texas. Support local news by checking out our subscription options and special offers at Caller.com/subscribe