California Pastor Moves Church Services Outside After Facing More than $100K in Fines

One California megachurch pastor who initially refused to stop holding indoor worship services has submitted to the city government after facing more than $100,000 in financial penalties.

Jack Trieber, pastor of North Valley Baptist Church in Santa Clara, said his church was facing $5,000 in fines for every indoor service. His congregation was also being saddled with additional penalties for violating other coronavirus-induced restrictions, like the moratorium on singing.

The county had filed a lawsuit against North Valley for its ongoing violations of pandemic mandates. Ultimately, though, rather than fighting...