Church locked out of Palm Sunday services by Lodi police

Cross Culture Christian Center in Lodi said it intended to keep holding in-person services in violation of the California shelter-in-place coronavirus order. Cross Culture Christian Center in Lodi said it intended to keep holding in-person services in violation of the California shelter-in-place coronavirus order. Photo: Google Street View Photo: Google Street View Image 1 of / 12 Caption Close Church locked out of Palm Sunday services by Lodi police 1 / 12 Back to Gallery

This story originally appeared on KCRA.

LODI, Calif. — On Palm Sunday, a church in Lodi found itself locked out of services following orders from health officials and law enforcement to shut them down.

Pastor Jon Duncan spread the word on Sunday to his faithful followers that services at Cross Culture Christian Center had been canceled.

“We were advised that the building has been closed down to us, that the locks have been changed,” Jon Duncan said.

The Lodi Police Department said they were locked out by their landlord, Bethel Open Bible Church.

"It's their property and they are ultimately responsible for it, (they) did have the locks changed,” said Michael Manetti, a Lodi Police Lieutenant.

All this comes in response to an edict from the San Joaquin County Health Department ordering the Cross Culture Christian Center to shut down in-person services to avoid spreading the coronavirus.

“The government is trying to force things that shouldn't be forced,” one worshipper told KCRA 3. He did not want to give his name.

Church members told KCRA 3 they believed the restrictions on assembling in public infringed on their constitutional rights of assembly.

“Especially during this time of sickness," said Jackie Haro, one of the congregants. “I really believe this is something we need to do – to congregate.”

“We don't believe that a virus cancels the First Amendment,” Jon Duncan said.

Lodi city officials also warned the church that violating the stay-at-home order would “constitute a menace to public health; a public nuisance; and an imminent threat to human life,” according to a letter from Lodi city attorney, Janice Magdich.

“I'm not thrilled in general with the restriction on religious liberties definitely during what is Christians most holy week,” said congregant Jeremy Duncan, brother of Pastor Jon Duncan.

“We consider the work of the church for the social and spiritual health of the community to be an essential service,” Jon Duncan said.

Lodi police were on the scene to enforce the emergency order, just in case anyone tried to enter the church.

“If there was a gathering, yes, we were prepared to take an additional step if necessary. But obviously we're very happy that it didn't come to that,” Lt. Manetti said.

Those additional steps could have included fines or even imprisonment.

But Pastor Jon Duncan said there was also a physical threat.

“I received a call last night that made threats against myself and the congregation as it relates to shutting down the church or else,” Jon Duncan said.

Authorities told congregants they could use video streaming and other technology to spread the word via the internet, but not in person.

The church is now exploring potential next steps for moving forward.

Congregants told KCRA 3 they will find other ways to worship – but insist they haven’t given up the fight between faith and government.