At Capitol, Pastor Describes Ordeal

In dramatic testimony before the House Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice Wednesday, Rev. Tony Spell, pastor of Central’s Life Tabernacle Church, told of the persecution he has suffered from Gov. John Bel Edwards, who ordered him arrested and his church closed.

Rev. Spell tried to speak in favor of the bill but was only given five minutes to recount seven months of persecution. In the time given, he testified about his being threatened with arrest for holding church, arrested, imprisoned, fitted with an ankle bracklet, ordered to home confinement, held in contempt, and ordered not to go to the church or preach. Six surveillance cameras were placed around the church and his residence, he and church members were followed, and law enforcement went through the parking lot recording license numbers of church members.

Most disturbing to legislators was the testimony of church members that they had been fired from their jobs for attending Life Tabernacle.  Eight members have reported they were terminated. Five were present at the hearing, and three testified for three minutes each. The meeting was held by the House Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice at the Capitol. The subject of the hearing was HB9 by Rep Danny McCormick. It would prohibit any criminal or civil penalties being assessed against a pastor for violating the governor’s emergency orders.

Rev. Spell has so far been the only person in the state arrested for violating the governor’s orders. After about 30 minutes hearing witnesses, Rep. Alan Seabaugh moved to report the bill favorably. The motion passed 6-3.  The vote was a surprise because Rep. Denise Marcelle (D) joined Republicans in supporting the bill. It now goes to the House floor where it is expected to pass. However, its fate in the Senate is unknown. Citizens should express their feelings to Senators. 

Rep. McCormick said passion of the bill was a huge victory for religious liberty in Louisiana.