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A church that has previously been under fire for defying public health orders announced several in-person gatherings at four San Diego County locations.
Awaken Church said several services will be held Sunday for
its locations in San Diego, Chula Vista, El Cajon and Carlsbad in honor of its
15th anniversary.
On the church’s website, it states that while it will provide face masks and multiple seating and viewing options, it will not mandate facial coverings and social distancing because it “trusts each person” to make the decision they feel is best for them.
Hand sanitizer will also be available at each of the church’s
campus and all high traffic areas will be “cleaned before and after each
service following all CDC approved COVID-19 guidelines.”
The church said its children’s camp will return in addition
to its in-person services.
Public health guidelines state places of worship may host services outdoors with precautions put in place, such as mandatory social distancing and facial coverings. However, Awaken Church has acknowledged on its website that it may be responsible for any repercussions the county may have.
“Current policy holds the church and not the individual
members responsible for any infraction, and we have chosen to continue forward
with our reopening,” the church said on its website.
Last month, Awaken fell under scrutiny for holding three
non-compliant worship services. At the time, the church told NBC 7 it aims to
continue serving its community.
“At this time, we have chosen to remain focused on
serving our members and maintaining partnerships within the community,” the
church said in a statement in July. “We elect to withhold any further comments
and will make diligent effort to contact you if we decide to accept your
request for an interview.”
Those who are unable to or uncomfortable with attending Awaken’s in-person services may tune in via livestream.
It appears the church isn’t interested in following the rules, and it’s also unclear if county leaders will take any action. NBC 7s Artie Ojeda has the story.
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